Replacement procedure

BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 39200 Digital Multimeter

Excessive resistance caused by poor terminal connections and partial short circuits through worn cable insulation will result in an abnormal voltage drop in the starter cable. Low voltage at the starter will prevent the normal starter operation and cause hard starting.

Whenever the battery cables are replaced, use a replacement cable that is the same in the type, the diameter, and the length. Some positive cables have additional feed wires attached to them and some of the negative cables have additional ground leads attached.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

CAUTION: In order to prevent possible personal injury from a moving vehicle or from an operating engine, perform the following steps before performing the checks:
1. Place the transmission in park.
2. Engage the parking brakes and block the wheels.
3. Disconnect the battery feed at the distributor.

1. Check the voltage drop between the ground (the battery negative terminal) and the vehicle frame.Place one probe of the J 39200 on the grounded battery post (not on the cable clamp) and the other on the frame.Operate the starter and note the voltage reading.
2. Check the voltage drop between the battery positive terminal and the starter terminal stud with the starter operating.
3. Check the voltage drop between the starter housing and the frame with the starter operating.
4. If the voltage drop in any of the above is more than 0.5 volts, there is excessive resistance in the circuit.In order to eliminate resistance, the cables should be disconnected and the connections should be cleaned.If the cables are frayed or the clamps are corroded, the cables should be replaced.When selecting the new cables, ensure that the new cables are the same length and the same diameter as the original cables being replaced.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable bolt from the battery.

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

2. Disconnect the battery negative cable from the engine.
3. Disconnect any additional ground leads attached to the battery negative cable.
4. Remove the battery negative cable.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE




1. For RWD, install the battery negative cable in the same position as the original.




2. For A4WD, install the battery negative cable in the same position as the original.
3. Connect the battery negative cable to the engine.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten the nut to 40 N.m (29 lb ft).

4. Install the engine harness to the stud.

Tighten the nut to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

5. Connect the battery negative cable ground lead to the radiator support.

Tighten the stud to 45 N.m (33 lb ft).

6. Connect the battery negative terminal bolt to the battery.

Tighten the bolt to 15 N.m (11 lb ft).