Proprietary battery cable?

[Balt]

The connector on the end of my positive battery cable for my 97 Nissan Maxima has basically corroded into nothing and really needs to be replaced at this point. Being naive as I am, I thought this might be one task even a complete car novice such as myself could accomplish.

Sadly, however, the positive cable and its connector seem to be some sort of proprietary setup, and after some searching I haven't been able to find a suitable replacement. Has anyone had similar issues? I am stuck taking it to a dealership on this one?

Thanks in advance

 

[brblx]

old lead terminals were easy to replace, newer ones often require some 'customizing' to replace just the terminal. you'll probably be stuck going to the dealer or maybe online for a new positive batt cable.

can you post a pic of what you've got?

 

[Balt]

Not my picture, but if you check the one on this ebay auction (not my auction, obviously) it's what I'm talking about:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...180259739677&viewitem=


Trying to avoid buying a salvage part such as the one above as I expect at this point they will potentially be as corroded as mine is.

 

[brblx]

the fuse part has a ring terminal on it. so long as you have a little extra cable, an aftermarket one will work fine. just cut the main cable, strip the end, and secure it to the parts store terminal, which should also have one or two locations for mounting addition ring terminals (if using the old lead type, you can just stick it under the bolt that clamps the cable down).

is the terminal degrading to the point where it's physically broken? if it's just a little corroded, i'd wirebrush it and reuse it. might be good to check the voltage drop between the batt and alt when running, that's the way you should condemn a cable, so long as it's not just falling apart.

 

[Balt]

Originally posted by: brblx
the fuse part has a ring terminal on it. so long as you have a little extra cable, an aftermarket one will work fine. just cut the main cable, strip the end, and secure it to the parts store terminal, which should also have one or two locations for mounting addition ring terminals (if using the old lead type, you can just stick it under the bolt that clamps the cable down).

is the terminal degrading to the point where it's physically broken? if it's just a little corroded, i'd wirebrush it and reuse it. might be good to check the voltage drop between the batt and alt when running, that's the way you should condemn a cable, so long as it's not just falling apart.

Yeah, the clamp is basically disintegrated at this point, not just in need of a cleaning (which I've done). I should have replaced it months ago.

Just in case someone else comes along wondering about the same issue, digging through threads I found:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...keyword1=battery+cable

Basically same issue as mine, with some info on where you can find genuine (ie expensive) replacement parts.

 

[Vette73]

Cut the old clamp off and install a new Asian style one. Will not be as pretty but will work.

Now if you have other damage away from the battery then yea it will require a new cable usually.


If you don;t want to do that then the auction you listed to is very cheap for this type of custom part.