This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, including all ground connections and cable routing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
5. Take photos of cable routing for reference during installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Do not allow the cable to touch the battery post during the repair.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the battery post. Cover the positive terminal with a clean shop towel to prevent accidental grounding during the procedure.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove battery hold-down
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the battery hold-down bolt and J-hook bracket. Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Set aside in a safe location.
   ⚠Battery weighs approximately 40-50 lbs - lift with proper technique
   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 power distribution box. Remove the cable terminal bolt at the starter solenoid using a 13mm socket. Disconnect any additional positive cable connections at the power distribution box, noting their positions for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove positive cable from vehicle
   Follow the positive cable routing, releasing any cable ties or retaining clips. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle, noting the routing path through the engine compartment for proper installation of the new cable.
6. 6

   Remove engine ground connections
   Locate the negative cable ground points on the engine block and frame. Using a 13mm socket, remove the ground cable bolts at the engine block. Remove any additional ground straps connected to the engine using appropriate size sockets.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove chassis ground connections
   Follow the negative cable to the chassis ground point near the battery tray. Remove the ground bolt using a 13mm socket. Remove any additional chassis ground connections, keeping track of stacked ground terminals.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove negative cable from vehicle
   Release all cable ties and retaining clips holding the negative cable. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle, noting the routing path for proper installation.
9. 9

   Clean all connection points
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean all ground connection points on the engine block, frame, and chassis. Remove any corrosion, paint, or oxidation to ensure bare metal contact. Clean the battery tray and terminal area. If corrosion is present, neutralize with baking soda and water solution, then rinse and dry completely.
10. 10

    Install new negative cable
    Route the new negative cable following the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact hot or moving components. Install chassis ground connection first, then engine ground connections. Hand-tighten all bolts before final torquing.
    ⚠Ensure ground surfaces are clean bare metal - paint or corrosion will cause poor electrical connection
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

    Ground Cable Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new positive cable
    Route the new positive cable following the original path, keeping it away from heat sources and moving components. Connect to the starter solenoid and power distribution box. Secure all connections hand-tight before final torquing. Ensure cable routing maintains proper clearance from exhaust and drivetrain components.
12. 12

    Secure cable routing
    Install new cable ties or reuse existing retaining clips to secure both cables along their routing paths. Ensure cables are protected from sharp edges, heat, and moving parts. Verify adequate slack for engine movement but no excessive looseness.
13. 13

    Reinstall battery and connect positive terminal
    Place the battery back into the battery tray, ensuring proper orientation. Install the hold-down bracket and torque the hold-down bolt. Clean the positive battery terminal and cable terminal with a wire brush. Connect the positive cable to the positive battery post and torque the terminal bolt. Apply dielectric grease if desired.
    Torque spec

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

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

    Connect negative terminal
    Clean the negative battery terminal and cable terminal with a wire brush. Connect the negative cable to the negative battery post and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Apply dielectric grease to the terminal connection if desired.
    ℹ️A small spark may occur when making final negative connection - this is normal
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Ensure no tools or loose items remain in engine compartment
3. Verify battery hold-down is secure

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify dash lights illuminate
• Start the engine and verify normal operation
• Check that all electrical accessories function properly (lights, radio, windows, etc.)
• Verify no warning lights related to charging system are illuminated
• Inspect all cable connections for proper seating and no looseness
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• Clear any stored diagnostic codes if necessary and verify no new codes appear

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