How to remove battery cable bracket from back of block

Tiny
1995LINCOLNTOWNCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 129,000 MILES
Hello, I am trying to change the battery cable due to multiple cuts in the cable and I cannot access the back bracket on the cable. I also would like to know what size it is and what is the best way to access the bolt on the bracket. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 AT 2:24 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Unfortunately, this is one of those situations when the manual doesn't tell you how to remove it. It just tells you to remove it. See attached. Which means they just figured the mechanic would figure it out.

It has been a while since I did this but from what I remember, I use a swivel socket and air ratchet to get it off. I included the OEM part number for the battery cable but they are normally 6 gauge wire size if you would like to build your own.

Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
It should be a thirteen millimeter nut on a thirteen millimeter stud, but the easiest way would be to just bend the bracket away from the cable and slide the cable out or cut the cable with wire cutters. I usually just cut the cable because the stud ends up spinning with the nut, and if you are replacing it anyways. Anything smaller than 4 gauge will be too small.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
1995LINCOLNTOWNCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
I attempted to access it with a ratchet and a universal joint extension but there was no space to get a ratchet in there, not really much to get a wrench down there easy because it is such a tight spot. I tried also removing a heater hose but it did not do much for getting more access.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Yeah. I am pretty sure you need a swivel socket and an extension so that the ratchet is out in space to turn it. More then likely you will need an 18 or 24 inch extension to get the angle correct and give yourself some space to turn the ratchet.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
1995LINCOLNTOWNCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Okay.
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Saturday, April 4th, 2020 AT 6:10 AM
Tiny
1995LINCOLNTOWNCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
I ended up being able to put a socket on it.
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Saturday, April 4th, 2020 AT 6:11 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
That's good news. Some of these are not fun and you end up getting into positions that most think are not possible. Thanks for the update.
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Saturday, April 4th, 2020 AT 8:28 AM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Awesome! Those are never fun!
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 10:07 PM

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