kdryan

I bought my girl used and it looks like someone did a hatchet job on the battery cable so I would like to replace it. They chopped off the end and put one of those generic ones you can get at Autozone. Can someone clue me in on what all is involved here and if I really want to get into doing this myself?

Thanks...

CMcNam

I installed the PA wire when I replaced my alternator. It's very easy. Just remove the throttle body and alternator, route the new one the same way as the old one, and put it all back together. 30 minutes to an hour if you are new to it and go very slowly, though you could probably do it in fifteen minutes. I believe the old one is routed through the plastic tubing of the wiring harness on the passenger side that connects to the COPs, but you can just remove it by hand from the plastic tube, it's not connected to anything except the alternator and the battery. Always wear gloves when messing with electrical stuff...found that one out when I was lazy one day. Makes a nice big arc that will wake you up if you aren't paying attention, but don't worry about doing it yourself. Definitely an easy job.

Chromeshadow

Remove the negative cable first, check it for corrosion, and put it back on last. You should also check the cable to the starter and all of the round straps. Get a circular wire brush/battery post cleaner and clean both battery posts and the inside of the cable clamp every time you disconnect the battery for any reason.