1997 Ford Escort - Battery Cable Corrosion

LOURDAN HAZEI

MEMBER
1997 FORD ESCORT

Okay - I admit it, I was a terrible car owner and let my old battery go until the last possible moment. In the meantime, a nasty film of green, mossy-like corrosion built-up on my negative cable connector.

Since then, the battery has been replaced, but the corrosion damaged the connector and now it no longer makes the connection (the ring itself is broken).

How do I go about replacing that cable? Is it something I can do with a guide, or do I need to take it to a dealer? I've recently relocated cross-country so there's no chance in going to the original dealership. If I can do it, can someone give me a heads-up about what I'll need and where I can find a good 'how-to' guide?

Thanks!

1 Reply

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

We are only talking about a battery terminal here. You can replace the entire cable and that is fine or you can replace the terminal end of the wire.

To replace the terminal end only you will need a new terminal end found at any auto parts store, tractor supply store and even many hardware stores. You will also need a wire cutter, a knife, and a 7/16 & 1/2 inch wrench. If you get a metric on this could be a 10mm and 12mm.

Cut the wire off close to the old terminal, strip back the cover about a 1/2 inch and slip on the new terminal connector. Tighten the two bolts that secure the wire to the terminal. Put the terminal on the battery terminal and tighten down securely. That is it.