If your vehicle won't start or will start but refuses to turn over, the battery cables might be the culprit. The battery is responsible for sending signals to the starter, and it provides power to the radio. You don't need to be an expert mechanic to replace battery cables on your vehicle. Here are tips for replacing vehicle battery cables.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- work gloves
- safety glasses
- pliers
- wrench
- rag
- battery-post cleaner
- wire brush
- baking soda (optoional)
- foam cup (optional)
- battery cables
Take the key out of the ignition and engage the parking brake. Open the hood, and look for the battery near the front or in the trunk. Sometimes batteries are installed in the trunk for better weight distribution.
The battery is commonly a large black box. Consult your owner's manual if you can't locate the battery.
Remove the Old Battery Cables
Always wear eye protection and gloves to protect you from possible acid discharge from the battery. Look for the red cable (positive) and the black cable (negative).
The red cable connects to the starter, and the black cable connects to a box. If the cables aren't different colors, follow the cable to the opposite end and look for plus or negative marks.
You may need to remove the battery before you can remove the cables. Even if you don't have to remove the battery, removing it makes the job easier. To remove the battery, detach the bolts with the wrench and set the battery upright in a safe place.
Don't let the cables come in contact with each other. Remove the positive cable first by loosening the clamp or bolt with a wrench, then disconnect the black cable. Disconnecting the negative cable first may cause sparks.
Set the bolts or clamps aside. If the wires are held in place by plastic housing, press the clips with pliers.
Check the battery posts for rust and dirt. Clean the battery post with a wire brush and battery-post cleaner, and polish them with a rag after the cleaner dries. Use a mixture of a tablespoon of baking soda and eight ounces of water in a foam cup as an alternative cleaner for battery posts. Inspect the terminals for rust, and clean them with the baking-soda mixture.
Attach the New Cables
Write down the model number and make of your vehicle to buy the right replacement cables. Take the old cables to use as a guide when you shop to check length and for matching connections. You can also buy universal cables.
Clean corrosion from bolts with a wire brush. Connect the positive cable first, followed by the negative cable, then tighten the connections. Reinstall the battery.
Disengage the parking brake and test the engine. If you don't trust your skill or the vehicle still does't start, contact a professional who offers mechanic services.
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