battery cable connector

[xSauronx]

i dont generally do any work on my own car, but this looks like it should be straightforward, i just dont want to do it *wrong*

the connector on my positive battery cable is cracking and clearly needs to be replaced. how do i remove the old connector, and is there a specific way/type i need to know about when adding a new connector to the cable?

im not sure that it makes any difference, but this in on a 97 altima

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Often it's easier and cheaper just get a new cable. But yes, if you have the proper tools, you can.

...if you're talking about on the battery itself, no, you can't. Shop around for a new battery.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Often it's easier and cheaper just get a new cable. But yes, if you have the proper tools, you can.

...if you're talking about on the battery itself, no, you can't. Shop around for a new battery.

well i think i need a new battery anyway, but the connect is still crap on the cable so it needs to be done as well.

i can just get a new cable then? ill probably just do that. weve probably got whatever tools i need, i would think. my dad said he has some connectors but i dont want to screw it up and have the thing fall off later :-/

 

[bruceb]

Replace the entire cable. And I would suggest doing the Neg cable as well, given the age of the car. Cables can corrode internally and you will never see it, which increases the resistance and lowers the amount of current flow. It also causes more voltage drop to the items it powers.
Connectors can be changed, but they never work the same way as a Factory Crimped on connector. When you do the cables, be sure the location where the ends of the cable connect to, (usually starter and the engine block) are nice and clean. Same for any other wires that are on
the same bolt or nut. If they need cleaning a little emery cloth will do the job with no issues.

 

[heymrdj]

You're best just buying new cables. You'll find them at Oreilly's, Autozone, SonicElectronix, ect.

 

[Mxylplyx]

I went to replace a crimped on connector a few months ago. I used a dremel to cut off the wire just before the existing crimped on connector. A wire brush or emory cloth should then be used to clean off any corrosion on the newly exposed wire. I would suggest some of those anti-corrosion battery terminal pads that they sell at auto parts stores to limit further corrosion at the terminals. I cant vouch for their effectiveness since I've only used them for a few months, but they are cheap and worth a try.

 

[xSauronx]

well since most of the suggestions are for new cables, ill just do that and be done with it. thanks everyone

 

[xSauronx]

i went by autozone because i needed a battery...i wasnt thinking, i guess, when i looked at the connector. the guy said i need a factory one because its got some other cable attached to the terminal and kinda piggy-backed onto the main positive cable :-/

im not sure the best place to get it. after searching around courtesyparts.com sells the harness (which is calls CABLE ASSY-BATTERY EARTH) for $35 before shipping. that sucks. is that probably the only option im going to have?

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
i went by autozone because i needed a battery...i wasnt thinking, i guess, when i looked at the connector. the guy said i need a factory one because its got some other cable attached to the terminal and kinda piggy-backed onto the main positive cable :-/

im not sure the best place to get it. after searching around courtesyparts.com sells the harness (which is calls CABLE ASSY-BATTERY EARTH) for $35 before shipping. that sucks. is that probably the only option im going to have?

pics?

Also, once you do get it replaced, spray some anti-corode spray on both terminals after you connect the cables. That'll prevent a lot of these kinds of problems.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: xSauronx
i went by autozone because i needed a battery...i wasnt thinking, i guess, when i looked at the connector. the guy said i need a factory one because its got some other cable attached to the terminal and kinda piggy-backed onto the main positive cable :-/

im not sure the best place to get it. after searching around courtesyparts.com sells the harness (which is calls CABLE ASSY-BATTERY EARTH) for $35 before shipping. that sucks. is that probably the only option im going to have?

pics?

Also, once you do get it replaced, spray some anti-corode spray on both terminals after you connect the cables. That'll prevent a lot of these kinds of problems.

Or Vaseline