This procedure covers the complete replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, including removal of the battery and all cable connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — ACDelco or OEM equivalent
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — ACDelco or OEM equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove key from ignition
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Inspect battery cables for routing and connection points before removal - take photos if needed for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Do not remove bolt completely, just loosen enough to lift terminal off battery post. If terminal is stuck, use a battery terminal puller - do not pry with screwdriver as this can damage the battery.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Remove the red protective cover if present. Carefully lift terminal away from battery post and position it where it cannot contact the post.
   ⚠Do not allow positive terminal to contact any metal parts of vehicle while battery is still in place
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove battery hold-down
   Remove the battery hold-down bracket bolt using a 13mm socket. Lift the hold-down bracket away and set aside. Carefully lift battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Set battery in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove positive cable connections
   Trace the positive cable from the battery tray to the starter solenoid and underhood fuse box. Remove the protective covers from cable terminals. At the starter, remove the 13mm nut securing the cable terminal. At the fuse box, remove the 10mm bolt(s) securing the cable terminal. Note the routing of the cable through clips and brackets.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove positive cable from vehicle
   Release any cable clips or ties securing the positive cable along its route. Carefully remove the entire positive cable assembly from the vehicle, noting the exact routing path for installation of the new cable.
6. 6

   Remove negative cable engine ground
   Locate the negative cable ground connection on the engine block (typically on driver side of engine). Remove the bolt securing the ground terminal using a 13mm socket. There may be multiple ground straps at this location - note their positions.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove negative cable chassis grounds
   Locate the negative cable ground connection(s) to the frame or chassis. Remove the bolt(s) securing these ground terminals using a 13mm socket. Clean all ground contact surfaces with a wire brush to ensure good connection during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove negative cable from vehicle
   Release any cable clips or ties securing the negative cable along its route. Carefully remove the entire negative cable assembly from the vehicle, noting the exact routing path for installation of the new cable.
9. 9

   Clean battery tray and terminals
   Clean the battery tray with baking soda and water solution to neutralize any acid corrosion. Dry thoroughly. Use a wire brush to clean all ground connection points on the engine and chassis where cable terminals will attach. Ensure surfaces are clean, bright metal for optimal electrical connection.
10. 10

    Install new negative cable
    Route the new negative cable following the same path as the original. Secure to engine block ground point first, ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact. Torque the ground cable bolt to specification. Install chassis ground connection(s) and torque ground strap bolts to specification. Ensure all ground surfaces are clean before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Ground Cable Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new positive cable
    Route the new positive cable following the same path as the original. Connect to the starter solenoid terminal and secure with 13mm nut. Connect to the underhood fuse box and secure with appropriate bolts. Torque bracket bolts to specification. Secure cable in all original clips and brackets along the route.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall battery
    Clean battery posts with wire brush or terminal cleaner. Place battery in battery tray, ensuring correct orientation with positive post toward front of vehicle. Install hold-down bracket and torque hold-down bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery case.
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Place the positive cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure terminal is fully seated on the post. Apply dielectric grease to terminal if desired. Torque the terminal bolt to specification - do not overtighten. Install red protective cover over positive terminal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Place the negative cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Ensure terminal is fully seated on the post. Apply dielectric grease to terminal if desired. Torque the terminal bolt to specification - do not overtighten.
    ℹ️A small spark may occur when making final connection - this is normal
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all battery cable connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Ensure positive terminal protective cover is installed
3. Verify cable routing matches original configuration with no interference or excessive tension
4. Reset clock and radio presets as needed
5. Perform power window relearn procedure: with ignition on, lower each window fully and hold button for 2 seconds, then raise fully and hold button for 2 seconds

Verification

• Start the engine to verify proper electrical system operation
• Check that all electrical accessories function properly (lights, radio, power windows, etc.)
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Inspect all cable connections for tightness and proper seating
• Check for any signs of heat or discoloration at terminals after short test drive

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