How to Change the Positive Battery Cable on the Starter

by John Stevens J.D.

Over time, battery cables can corrode and become dirty. When either occurs, the amount of electricity that flows through the cables is reduced. With significant wear, there will not be enough current through the cables to properly activate the starter. The only way to resolve the problem is to replace the cable. To replace the positive battery cable on the starter, follow the steps below.

Step 1

Place wheel chocks behind each rear tire.

Step 2

Apply the parking brake.

Step 3

Jack up the front of the car and support the vehicle with two jack stands which are rated to safely support the weight of the vehicle.

Step 4

Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the positive and negative terminals on the battery. The positive terminal will be marked with a "+" sign, while the negative terminal will be marked with a "-" sign.

Step 5

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery by using a wrench to loosen the bolt which attaches the negative battery cable to the battery.

Step 6

Disconnect the positive battery cable from the battery by using a wrench to loosen the bolt which attaches the positive battery cable to the battery.

Step 7

Locate the starter motor underneath the engine. The starter sits between the engine and the transmission, usually on the passenger's side of the vehicle.

Step 8

Locate and remove the battery cable that is attached to the side of the starter. The cable can be removed by removing the nut which holds the cable to the starter with a wrench.

Step 9

Trace the cable from the starter to the starter solenoid with your hand to locate the starter solenoid.

Step 10

Remove the starter cable from the solenoid by removing the nut which attaches the cable to the solenoid with a wrench.

Step 11

Attach one end of the new positive battery cable to the solenoid by sliding the cable over the stud on the solenoid and securing the nut over the cable end.