Replacement of the negative battery cable connecting the battery negative terminal to the engine block and chassis ground.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Negative battery cable × 1 — Use OEM specification or exact length replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove ignition key
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Locate battery in engine compartment on driver side
5. Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Loosen negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen the bolt securing the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery post (marked with minus symbol). Do not remove the bolt completely, just loosen enough to allow cable removal. If terminal is stuck, use a battery terminal puller rather than prying to avoid damaging the battery post.
2. 2

   Remove cable from battery terminal
   Twist and pull the negative cable clamp straight up and off the battery post. Move the cable end away from the battery terminal and secure it so it cannot accidentally contact the battery post during the repair.
3. 3

   Locate and remove engine block ground connection
   Trace the negative cable from the battery to the engine block. The cable typically grounds to the engine block on the driver side. Remove the bolt securing the cable ground lug to the engine block using a 13mm wrench or socket. If bolt is corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before removal.
4. 4

   Remove chassis ground connection if applicable
   Some negative cables on the 1970 Rebel Machine include a secondary ground strap to the frame or inner fender. If present, locate this connection point and remove the fastening bolt using appropriate wrench or socket. Note the exact location for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove old negative cable
   Carefully remove the old negative battery cable from the vehicle, noting the exact routing path along the inner fender and any clips or retainers that secure it. Check for any additional grounding straps or connections that may be attached.
6. 6

   Clean all connection points
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the battery negative post, engine block grounding surface, and chassis ground point if applicable. Remove all corrosion, oxidation, and old paint from metal surfaces to ensure good electrical contact. Clean with baking soda solution if heavy corrosion is present, then rinse and dry completely.
7. 7

   Route new negative cable
   Route the new negative battery cable along the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact any hot engine components, sharp edges, or moving parts. Verify the cable has adequate length to reach all connection points without being stretched tight.
8. 8

   Install engine block ground connection
   Position the cable ground lug against the cleaned engine block grounding point. Install and tighten the bolt securely using a 13mm wrench or socket. Ensure the ground lug makes full metal-to-metal contact with the engine block surface.
9. 9

   Install chassis ground if applicable
   If the cable includes a chassis ground strap, connect it to the frame or inner fender at the previously noted location. Ensure clean metal-to-metal contact and secure the fastening bolt firmly.
10. 10

    Connect cable to battery terminal
    Position the negative cable clamp onto the negative battery post, ensuring it seats fully. Tighten the clamp bolt with a 10mm wrench or socket until secure. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery post or clamp. The connection should be tight enough that the cable cannot be twisted or pulled off by hand.

Reassembly

1. Secure any cable retaining clips along the routing path
2. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease or anti-corrosion spray to battery terminal after connection to prevent future corrosion
3. Verify cable does not interfere with any moving components or rest against hot exhaust manifolds

Verification

• Attempt to move the negative cable at the battery terminal - it should not twist or move if properly tightened
• Check that all ground connections are secure and making good contact
• Turn ignition key to accessory position and verify electrical accessories function properly
• Start the engine to confirm proper electrical system operation
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed

More procedures for this vehicle