This procedure covers replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including all ground strap connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion pads (optional) × 2 — Generic

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition OFF and remove key
3. Turn off all electrical accessories including lights and radio
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
6. Locate battery in engine compartment on passenger side

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Remove the terminal clamp from the battery post. If stuck, use a battery terminal puller to avoid damaging the post. Move the cable aside and secure it away from the battery post.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Remove the terminal clamp from the battery post. Move the cable aside and ensure it does not contact any metal surfaces or the negative terminal.
   ⚠Keep positive cable away from all metal surfaces to prevent short circuit
   Torque spec

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

   Remove battery hold-down
   Remove the battery hold-down bolt using a 13mm socket. Remove the hold-down clamp and set aside. Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the tray.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove positive cable from starter and fuse box
   Trace the positive cable to the starter solenoid. Remove the protective cover if present. Use a 13mm socket to remove the cable terminal from the starter stud. Follow the cable forward to the underhood fuse box and remove any mounting brackets using 8mm or 10mm sockets as needed. Disconnect the cable at the fuse box connection point.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove negative cable engine ground connections
   Locate the primary negative cable ground connection on the driver side of the engine block. Use a 13mm socket to remove the ground cable bolt. Locate any secondary ground straps between the engine and chassis or body. Remove ground strap bolts using appropriate socket (typically 10mm or 13mm).
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove negative cable chassis ground
   Trace the negative cable to its chassis ground point, typically on the inner fender or radiator support. Remove the ground bolt using a 13mm socket. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean all connection points
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the battery tray, all cable terminal ends, ground contact surfaces on engine block and chassis, starter stud, and fuse box connections. Remove all corrosion, dirt, and oxidation. Clean surfaces should be bright metal for proper electrical contact.
   ℹ️Clean contact surfaces are critical for proper electrical system operation
8. 8

   Install new negative cable chassis ground
   Route the new negative cable to the chassis ground point. Ensure the ground contact surface is clean and free of paint or coating. Install the ground bolt and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install negative cable engine grounds
   Connect the negative cable to the primary engine block ground location. Ensure the contact surface on the engine block is clean. Install and torque the ground cable bolt to specification. Install any ground straps between engine and chassis, ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact. Torque ground strap bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new positive cable
    Route the new positive cable from the battery tray to the starter and fuse box. Connect the cable terminal to the starter stud and torque fastener to specification (typically 13mm nut, hand-tight plus 1/8 turn if torque not specified). Connect cable at underhood fuse box and secure any mounting brackets, torquing bracket bolts to specification. Ensure cable routing matches original path and does not contact hot or moving components.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall battery
    Clean battery posts with wire brush if reusing battery. Place battery in tray ensuring proper orientation (positive terminal toward starter). Install hold-down clamp and bolt. Torque hold-down bolt to specification, being careful not to overtighten which can damage the battery case.
    ⚠Do not overtighten battery hold-down as it can crack the battery case
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Clean the positive battery post and new cable terminal. Place the terminal clamp onto the positive post ensuring full contact. Install and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease if desired.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Clean the negative battery post and new cable terminal. Place the terminal clamp onto the negative post ensuring full contact. Install and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease if desired.
    ℹ️A small spark may occur when making final connection - this is normal
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are secure and properly torqued
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine compartment
3. Verify battery cables are routed away from hot or moving components

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify dash lights illuminate normally
• Start engine and verify normal operation
• Check that all electrical systems function properly (lights, horn, windows, radio)
• Verify no warning lights related to charging system are illuminated
• Recalibrate power windows by rolling each window all the way down, then all the way up and holding switch for 2 seconds
• Reset radio presets and clock as needed
• Visually inspect all cable connections for signs of looseness or arcing after test drive

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