Battery Terminal

Replace or service battery terminals on the 1992 Dodge Viper, including cleaning cable connections and ensuring proper electrical contact.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Battery terminal set (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Ensure ignition is off and keys are removed from vehicle
2. Open trunk and locate battery on driver's side
3. Inspect battery and surrounding area for corrosion or damage
4. Have baking soda solution ready if heavy corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect Negative Battery Cable
   Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal post. Move the cable away from the battery and secure it so it cannot contact the terminal during work.
2. 2

   Disconnect Positive Battery Cable
   Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal post. If terminal is stuck, use a battery terminal puller rather than prying to avoid damage to the battery case.
3. 3

   Inspect and Clean Battery Posts
   Inspect battery posts for corrosion, cracks, or damage. Clean the battery posts thoroughly using a wire brush or battery post cleaner tool, removing all oxidation and corrosion until bare metal is visible. If heavy corrosion is present, apply baking soda solution to neutralize acid, then rinse and dry.
4. 4

   Clean or Replace Cable Terminals
   Inspect cable terminals for damage, excessive corrosion, or loose cable crimps. Clean the inside of each terminal clamp using a wire brush or terminal cleaning tool until bare metal is visible. If terminals are damaged, cracked, or cable strands are frayed at the crimp, replace the terminal set.
5. 5

   Reconnect Positive Battery Cable
   Place the positive (+) cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure the terminal is fully seated on the post and properly oriented. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Reconnect Negative Battery Cable
   Place the negative (-) cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Ensure the terminal is fully seated on the post and properly oriented. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Apply Protective Coating
   Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease or anti-corrosion spray to the outside of both battery terminals and cable connections to prevent future corrosion. Do not apply grease between the post and terminal contact surfaces.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both terminals are tight and cannot rotate on battery posts
2. Verify no tools or hardware are left in trunk area
3. Close trunk and verify all electrical systems function properly

Verification

• Attempt to rotate each terminal by hand - neither should move on the battery post
• Start the engine to verify proper electrical connection
• Check that all electrical accessories (lights, radio, gauges) operate normally
• Inspect terminals for any signs of arcing or poor connection after engine start

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle