Complete replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including all ground connections and cable routing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or equivalent
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off with key removed
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Identify all battery cable connections including engine block grounds and starter connections
5. Take reference photos of cable routing, especially around engine bay and firewall

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect and remove battery hold-down
   Loosen the negative battery terminal bolt completely and remove negative cable from battery post. Move cable away from battery to prevent accidental contact. Then loosen and remove positive terminal. Remove battery hold-down clamp by loosening the hold-down bolt. Lift battery out of tray and set aside in safe location.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove negative cable ground connections
   Locate the negative cable ground points on the engine block and chassis. On the 3.5L EcoBoost, the primary ground is located on the driver's side of the engine block near the transmission bell housing. Remove the ground cable bolt(s) securing the negative cable to the engine block. Locate and remove the chassis ground strap bolt near the battery tray area.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Trace and remove negative cable
   Follow the negative cable routing from battery tray to all ground points. Remove any cable retaining clips or ties securing the cable to the chassis or body. On 4WD models, the cable may route near the transfer case area. Carefully extract the complete negative cable assembly from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Disconnect positive cable at starter
   Locate the starter solenoid on the passenger side of the engine. The positive battery cable connects to the large terminal stud on the starter solenoid. Remove the nut securing the positive cable to the starter solenoid. Note the position of any other wires on this terminal and their stacking order.
5. 5

   Disconnect positive cable at power distribution box
   Locate the underhood power distribution box on the passenger side fender well. The positive cable feeds into this junction box. Remove the cover from the power distribution box. Disconnect the positive cable terminal from inside the junction box by removing the retaining nut or bolt. On some models, this may require removing module mounting bolts to access.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove positive cable assembly
   Follow the positive cable routing from battery tray through the engine bay. Remove all cable retaining clips, ties, and routing guides. The cable typically routes along the passenger side fender well and down to the starter. Carefully extract the complete positive cable assembly, noting the routing path behind engine components and harnesses.
7. 7

   Clean all connection points
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the battery terminal posts, engine block ground mounting surfaces, chassis ground points, starter solenoid terminal, and power distribution box connection points. Remove all corrosion, dirt, and oxidation. Clean surfaces should be bright metal. Clean inside of battery tray and inspect for damage or excessive corrosion.
8. 8

   Route and install new positive cable
   Route the new positive cable assembly following the original path from battery tray to power distribution box and starter. Ensure cable does not contact sharp edges, hot exhaust components, or moving parts. Install cable retaining clips and guides to secure routing. Connect positive cable to starter solenoid terminal stud, ensuring any additional wires are reinstalled in correct order.
9. 9

   Connect positive cable to power distribution
   Connect the positive cable terminal to the power distribution box connection point. Secure with retaining nut or bolt. If module mounting bolts were removed for access, reinstall them. Reinstall power distribution box cover.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Route and install new negative cable
    Route the new negative cable assembly from battery tray to engine block ground point and chassis ground locations. Follow original routing path, ensuring cable does not interfere with moving components, belts, or hot surfaces. Install cable retaining clips to secure proper routing.
11. 11

    Connect negative cable grounds
    Connect the negative cable terminal to the engine block ground point. Ensure mating surfaces are clean and making good metal-to-metal contact. Install and torque the ground cable bolt to specification. Connect the chassis ground strap and torque the ground strap bolt to specification. Ensure all ground connections are tight and secure.
    Torque spec

    Ground Cable Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall battery and connect cables
    Place battery back into tray in correct orientation (positive terminal toward front on this model). Install battery hold-down clamp and torque hold-down bolt to specification. Apply dielectric grease to battery posts if desired. Connect positive cable to positive battery post first and torque terminal bolt to specification. Then connect negative cable to negative post and torque terminal bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are tight and properly torqued at battery, grounds, starter, and power distribution points
2. Ensure no tools or loose items remain in engine bay
3. Verify cables are properly routed and secured with all retaining clips installed
4. Check that cables have adequate clearance from moving parts, belts, and hot exhaust components

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify all dash lights illuminate normally
• Start engine and verify it cranks and starts properly without hesitation
• Check that all electrical accessories function correctly (lights, radio, windows, etc.)
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated after engine start
• Visually inspect all cable connections for tightness and proper seating
• Check for any smoke, burning smell, or unusual electrical issues
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• If check engine light or other warnings appear, perform any required relearn procedures per Ford service information

More procedures for this vehicle