This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the positive battery cable on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, including disconnection from battery, starter, and power distribution points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford cable - length and gauge critical
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion washers × 2 — Felt washers if not included with cable

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Locate battery in engine compartment on passenger side

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt. Rock the terminal gently to break it free from the battery post. Move the negative cable away from the battery and secure it so it cannot contact the post during the procedure.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt. Use a battery terminal puller if the terminal is stuck. Remove the terminal from the battery post and position it away from the battery. Be careful not to allow the positive terminal to contact any metal surfaces.
   ⚠Keep positive terminal isolated from ground surfaces to prevent arcing
   Torque spec

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

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

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

   Remove air intake components for access
   Disconnect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor electrical connector. Loosen the clamp at the throttle body using 8mm socket. Remove the air intake tube from the throttle body to the air filter housing. This provides access to the positive cable routing and starter connection.
5. 5

   Disconnect positive cable at power distribution box
   Locate the main power distribution box on the driver side fender. Identify the positive cable connection points (typically two large terminals). Using 10mm socket, remove the nuts securing the positive cable terminals to the distribution box studs. Note the position and orientation of each connection for reassembly.
   ℹ️Take a photo of cable routing before removal for reference during installation
6. 6

   Disconnect positive cable at starter motor
   Locate the starter motor on the passenger side of the engine block, near the transmission bellhousing. Using 13mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive cable to the starter solenoid terminal (large post). Remove the cable terminal from the stud and position aside.
   ⚠Starter terminal is live when positive cable is connected - ensure negative terminal is disconnected first
7. 7

   Remove cable routing clips and remove cable
   Trace the positive cable route from battery to starter and power distribution box. Release any plastic routing clips or zip ties securing the cable to the engine harness or chassis. Note the routing path carefully. Remove the entire positive cable assembly from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean connection points
   Inspect battery posts, starter solenoid terminal, and power distribution box studs for corrosion. Clean all connection points with wire brush until bright metal is visible. Inspect battery tray for corrosion and clean if necessary. Apply a light coating of dielectric grease to battery posts.
9. 9

   Route new positive cable
   Route the new positive battery cable following the same path as the original cable. Ensure the cable does not contact hot engine components, sharp edges, or moving parts. The cable should route from the battery, along the passenger side frame rail to the starter, and across to the power distribution box on the driver side.
   ⚠Ensure cable routing avoids exhaust manifolds and other heat sources that could damage insulation
10. 10

    Connect cable to starter motor
    Position the cable terminal onto the starter solenoid stud. Install the nut and hand-tighten. Using 13mm socket, tighten the connection securely but do not over-torque. Ensure the terminal cannot rotate on the stud.
11. 11

    Connect cable to power distribution box
    Position the positive cable terminals onto the correct studs in the power distribution box, matching the original configuration. Install the nuts and tighten using 10mm socket. Ensure connections are secure and terminals are properly seated.
12. 12

    Secure cable routing
    Reinstall all cable routing clips and secure the cable to prevent movement or contact with hot or moving components. Use new zip ties if original clips were damaged during removal. Verify cable has adequate slack and is not under tension.
13. 13

    Reinstall battery and air intake
    Place battery back into the tray in the correct orientation. Install the hold-down bracket and J-hook. Install and tighten the hold-down bolt to specification. Reinstall the air intake tube, connecting it to the throttle body and air filter housing. Tighten the clamp at the throttle body. Reconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector.
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Clean the positive cable terminal with wire brush if necessary. Place the positive terminal onto the positive battery post, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using 10mm socket and torque wrench. Do not over-tighten as this can damage the battery post.
    ⚠Over-torquing battery terminals can crack the battery case or damage the post
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Clean the negative cable terminal with wire brush if necessary. Place the negative terminal onto the negative battery post, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are tight and properly seated
2. Confirm cable routing does not interfere with moving or hot components
3. Apply dielectric grease or anti-corrosion spray to battery terminals if desired

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify dash lights illuminate normally
• Check for any warning lights that may indicate electrical system issues
• Start the engine and verify normal operation - no dimming lights or unusual electrical behavior
• Test major electrical systems (headlights, power windows, radio) to confirm proper operation
• Visually inspect for any smoke or unusual odors from electrical connections
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed

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