mtnxtreme

I have to weld the bracket/plate that goes under the radiator from frame to frame, ythe one the plastic engine cover attaches to. The PO hit something and on the drivers side its bent and cracked so I want to heat it and run a 3" bead of weld where it was factory welded to the main frame stub, right behind where bumper attaches. What precautions do i need to take so I don't fry any electtronics? Just disconnect the battery and I'm good to go? Or do I have to disconnect the ECM, which I'm not sure where it is, I do see a smal box under the windshield wiper cowl.

pchansen

Well, this applies to '86 VW GTi so I take no responsibility for what may or may not happen!

Certainly disconnect the battery under the driver's seat and make sure your ground is a close to your work as possible. Also make sure you have a very clean ground connection. Don't give the electricity any "choice" as to where it "may seek" it's ground. As far as disconnecting the ECM, that couldn't hurt. The problem becomes how many black boxes are you going to have to disconnect. There are literally dozens of modules scattered throughout the car. With this in mind, my hunch is that you wouldn't need to disconnect anything electronic. I good idea would be to contact a higher end body shop and ask them what they do.