Battery Cable - Positive

Remove and replace the positive battery cable on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from the battery and starter motor, and routing through the engine bay.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Open the trunk and locate the battery on the driver's side
2. Ensure the ignition is off and all accessories are off
3. Allow the engine to cool if recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Loosen the bolt on the negative battery terminal (marked with a minus sign or black cover) using the appropriate socket (verify size, commonly 10mm). Remove the negative cable from the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the bolt on the positive battery terminal (marked with a plus sign or red cover). Remove the positive cable from the battery post. If the terminal is corroded or stuck, use a battery terminal puller to avoid damaging the post.
3. 3

   Remove positive cable trunk routing clips
   Follow the positive battery cable from the trunk-mounted battery along its factory routing. Release any cable routing clips or fasteners securing the cable in the trunk area. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation, referencing the service manual for the vehicle-specific route.
4. 4

   Access engine compartment connection point
   Open the hood and locate where the positive battery cable enters the engine compartment. The cable runs to the starter motor and power distribution center; confirm the exact entry point and routing against the service manual.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from power distribution center
   Locate the power distribution center (fuse box) on the driver's side of the engine bay. Using a 10mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive cable terminal to the power distribution stud. Remove the cable terminal from the stud and note its position relative to any other terminals on the same stud.
6. 6

   Disconnect cable from starter motor
   Locate the starter motor on the engine block per the service manual. Remove the nut securing the positive cable terminal to the starter solenoid stud (verify socket size against service manual). Remove the cable terminal from the starter.
7. 7

   Release engine bay cable routing
   Follow the positive cable through the engine bay and release any remaining routing clips, brackets, or zip ties. Note the exact routing path, especially where the cable passes near hot exhaust components or moving parts.
8. 8

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully pull the positive battery cable through the firewall grommet from the engine bay into the trunk. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle. Inspect the firewall grommet for damage and replace if cracked or torn.
9. 9

   Clean battery terminal and connection points
   Use a wire brush to clean the positive battery post, the battery terminal clamp on the new cable, and the connection studs at the power distribution center and starter motor. Remove all corrosion and oxidation to ensure good electrical contact.
10. 10

    Route new positive cable
    Feed the new positive battery cable through the firewall grommet from the trunk into the engine compartment. Route the cable through the engine bay following the exact path noted during removal, ensuring it does not contact hot exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving parts.
11. 11

    Connect cable to starter motor
    Connect the positive cable terminal to the starter solenoid stud. Install the 13mm nut and tighten securely. Ensure the terminal is fully seated on the stud and the connection is tight.
12. 12

    Connect cable to power distribution center
    Connect the positive cable terminal to the power distribution center stud in the same position as the original cable. Install the nut and torque to the service manual specification (verify nut size). If multiple terminals share the same stud, ensure they are stacked in the original order.
13. 13

    Secure cable routing in engine bay
    Secure the positive cable using the original routing clips and brackets. Use new zip ties if necessary to maintain proper cable positioning away from heat sources and moving components.
14. 14

    Secure cable routing in trunk
    Route the cable in the trunk following the original path and secure it with routing clips or new zip ties. Ensure the cable has adequate slack to reach the battery terminal without tension.
15. 15

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the positive battery post. Connect the positive cable terminal to the battery post and tighten the 10mm bolt securely. Ensure the terminal is fully seated and cannot be moved by hand.
16. 16

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the negative battery post. Connect the negative cable terminal to the battery post and tighten the 10mm bolt securely. This should be the last connection made.

Reassembly

1. Verify all battery terminal connections are tight and secure
2. Ensure the cable routing matches the original path and is properly secured
3. Close the hood and trunk

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start) and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Start the engine to confirm proper starter motor operation and charging system function
• Visually inspect all cable connections for security and proper routing
• Check for any warning lights on the dashboard that may indicate electrical system issues
• Verify the battery voltage at the terminals shows approximately 12.6 volts with engine off and 13.5-14.5 volts with engine running

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