This procedure covers removal and replacement of the positive battery cable on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including disconnection from the battery terminal and starter motor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Battery terminal protector spray or dielectric grease × 1 — Motorcraft or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove key from ignition
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Identify the battery location on the driver side of the engine bay
6. Take note of radio security code if applicable

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal clamp bolt. Remove the terminal from the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection. If terminal is stuck, use a battery terminal puller to avoid damaging the battery post.
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red) battery terminal clamp bolt. Carefully remove the terminal from the battery post. Use a battery terminal puller if necessary. Keep the positive cable isolated from any metal surfaces.
3. 3

   Remove battery hold-down if necessary
   If the battery hold-down bracket interferes with cable removal, use a 13mm socket to remove the battery hold-down bolt. Remove the hold-down bracket and set aside. Note the orientation for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Trace and disconnect cable at fuse box
   Locate where the positive cable connects to the underhood fuse box on the driver side. Remove the protective cover from the fuse box. Disconnect any cable connections at the fuse box by removing the appropriate fasteners. The cable may have multiple connection points.
5. 5

   Remove cable mounting brackets
   Follow the positive cable routing from battery to starter. Remove any cable mounting brackets or clips securing the cable to the engine or chassis using appropriate sockets. Keep track of bracket locations and hardware for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect cable at starter motor
   Locate the starter motor on the passenger side of the engine. The positive cable connects to the solenoid terminal on the starter. Remove the protective boot covering the terminal. Use a 13mm socket to remove the nut securing the positive cable to the starter solenoid terminal. Carefully remove the cable from the stud.
7. 7

   Remove old positive cable
   Carefully route the old positive cable out of the engine bay, noting its exact path and any routing clips or guides. Take photos if helpful for reinstallation reference. Inspect the cable routing path for any damage or debris and clean as necessary.
8. 8

   Install new positive cable
   Route the new positive cable through the engine bay following the exact path of the old cable. Ensure the cable does not contact hot surfaces, sharp edges, or moving components. Connect the cable to the starter solenoid terminal first, placing the cable lug over the stud. Install the nut finger-tight.
9. 9

   Secure cable routing and brackets
   Install all cable mounting brackets in their original locations. Ensure the cable routing matches factory specifications with no kinks, sharp bends, or interference with other components. Tighten bracket bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect cable at fuse box
    Reconnect the positive cable to all connection points at the underhood fuse box. Ensure connections are clean and fully seated. Install any fasteners and tighten to specification. Replace the fuse box cover.
11. 11

    Clean battery terminals
    Use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to clean both the positive battery post and the inside of the cable terminal clamp. Remove any corrosion or buildup. Clean surfaces ensure proper electrical contact and prevent future corrosion.
12. 12

    Reinstall battery hold-down
    If removed, reinstall the battery hold-down bracket in its original orientation. Install the hold-down bolt and tighten to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery case.
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Place the positive cable terminal onto the positive (marked with +) battery post. Ensure it is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease or terminal protector spray to prevent corrosion.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Place the negative cable terminal onto the negative (marked with -) battery post. Ensure it is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease or terminal protector spray.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are tight and secure
2. Ensure cable routing does not interfere with moving parts or hot surfaces
3. Confirm battery terminals are properly tightened and protected
4. Replace any protective covers or shields removed during the procedure

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position and verify dash lights illuminate properly
• Start the engine and confirm it cranks and starts normally
• Check for proper charging system operation (battery light should extinguish after engine starts)
• Test electrical accessories (lights, radio, windows) for proper operation
• Visually inspect all cable connections for security and proper routing
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• Monitor the battery charging voltage with a multimeter if available (should read 13.5-14.5V with engine running)

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