Replacing Battery Cable

[shlby123]

Can anybody tell me how difficult it is? and how long it takes? I have to replace the positive cable on my '89 5.0

 

[GreatWhite]

the positive cable is only like 1 1/2 feet long... hooks up on the positive battery post and then to the starter solenoid under the coil cover on the drivers side fenderwell, thats it

 

[iwashmycar]

ya bout 2 minutes....there is more tho, that goes to the starter

 

[shlby123]

ok, sounds easy enough? What attaches it to the starter? Anybody have a pic possibly of what it looks like....Im really a newbie at all this...despite taking on one or two crazy fixes so far.

 

[jrichker]

Anytime you play with the postive battery cable, disconnect the negative one first. That way, if you drop a wrench or the wrench contacts the body, you won't short the battery, make sparks and break something.

The battery to solenoid cable is less than 14" long and is secured by one big nut on the solenoid. Mark and label all of the smaller wires that share the same stud on the solenoid before you take the nut off.

The starter to solenoid cable goes from the solenoid to the starter and runs under the front of the engine, just above the sway bar. The starter end can be hard to get the nut off and back on. Don't try to change this cable with a hot engine. You will get burned trying to change the cable if you do.

 

[iwashmycar]

i meant to mention get a Haynes manual if you dont have one....it is an EXTREMELY valuable source of information, even if this site seems to be really helpful. best $20 spent

 

[Strype]

autozone.com has an online haynes or chiltons manual and usually comes up on google...

for example try "autozone cable mustang" or sumthing...

I'll try for ya

 

[Strype]

Everyone mark this...

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/19/6d/62/0900823d80196d62.jsp

 

[DeVus1]

What have you been driving for the last four years?

 

[Strype]

What have you been driving for the last four years?

huh???

 

[DeVus1]

Not you crazy. I was wondering what this guy has been driving since he joined SN.

Edit: And how dare you try to beat my post count. I have to go post in tech now, brb.

 

[Strype]

Not you crazy. I was wondering what this guy has been driving since he joined SN.

Edit: And how dare you try to beat my post count. I have to go post in tech now, brb.

No way- it's Oon like a chickin bone

 

[shlby123]

alright i went to autozone got the new positive cable I needed to replace (the guy picked it out at the store.) And when I got home i pulled it outta the box and had this little extra wire attached to it? My current positive does not have this? What am I supposed to do with it?

 

[jrichker]

alright i went to autozone got the new positive cable I needed to replace (the guy picked it out at the store.) And when I got home i pulled it outta the box and had this little extra wire attached to it? My current positive does not have this? What am I supposed to do with it?

Tape or tiewrap it to the cable so it is out of the way.. Your battery cable was a universal fit, and some cars use that wire. The Mustang does not use it. I have been known to cut them off next to the clamp and cover the stub with RTV gasket sealer. The RTV keeps the acid from corroding the wire and causing problems later down the road.

 

[shlby123]

I was hoping you would say that! thanks jrichker!

 

[rd]

Better to get the cable with the extra wire and not need it than the other way around.

Make sure you clean the battery posts and cable post when you put it on.