This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including all ground connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is parked on level ground with ignition off and key removed
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Open hood and secure with hood prop
4. Locate battery in engine compartment (driver side)
5. Take photos of cable routing and connections for reference during reinstallation
6. Note radio security code if applicable

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove battery hold-down
   Using a 13mm socket, loosen and remove the battery hold-down bolt. Remove the hold-down bracket and set aside. This provides access to battery terminals and cables.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect negative battery cable
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt. Do not remove bolt completely. Use a battery terminal puller if terminal is stuck, or gently twist and pull upward to remove cable from battery post. Position cable away from battery to prevent accidental contact.
   ⚠Always disconnect negative terminal first to prevent short circuit risk.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect positive battery cable
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt. Do not remove bolt completely. Remove protective cover from positive terminal if equipped. Carefully remove cable from battery post and position away from battery.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove negative cable ground connections
   Trace the negative cable to its ground points on the chassis and engine block. Using appropriate socket (typically 13mm), remove ground strap bolts connecting cable to chassis near battery tray and to engine block. Note exact mounting locations and cable routing.
   ℹ️EcoBoost engines have multiple ground points. Ensure all are disconnected before removing cable.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

   Ground Cable Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove negative cable completely
   Once all ground connections are removed, carefully route the negative cable out of the engine bay, noting its exact path through any clips or brackets. Remove any cable retaining clips as necessary.
6. 6

   Remove positive cable connections
   Trace the positive cable from battery to starter motor and fuse box connections. Remove protective covers from connections. Using 10mm or 13mm socket as appropriate, disconnect positive cable from starter motor stud and any fuse box or power distribution connections. Note exact routing and connection points.
   ⚠Positive cable may have multiple branch connections. Document all connections before removal.
7. 7

   Remove positive cable completely
   Once all connections are removed, carefully route the positive cable out of the engine bay following its original path. Remove any cable retaining clips or bracket mounting bolts as necessary using 8mm or 10mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean all contact surfaces
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean all cable mounting points on chassis, engine block, and starter motor. Clean battery terminal posts with wire brush. If corrosion is present, clean with baking soda and water solution, then rinse with clean water and dry completely. Inspect all mounting holes for damage or stripped threads.
   ℹ️Clean contact surfaces are critical for proper electrical conductivity and ground connections.
9. 9

   Install new positive battery cable
   Route new positive cable through engine bay following exact path of original cable. Connect cable to starter motor stud and any power distribution points, tightening to specification. Reinstall any bracket mounting bolts. Ensure cable does not contact hot engine components or moving parts. Do not connect to battery terminal yet.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new negative battery cable
    Route new negative cable through engine bay following exact path of original cable. Install cable to chassis ground point first, then to engine block ground point. Ensure all mating surfaces are clean and metal-to-metal contact is achieved. Tighten all ground connections to specification.
    ℹ️Verify all ground strap mounting surfaces are clean and free of paint or corrosion for proper electrical contact.
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Ground Cable Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect positive terminal to battery
    Position positive cable terminal onto positive battery post. Ensure terminal is fully seated on post. Install and tighten terminal bolt to specification using 10mm socket and torque wrench. Apply small amount of dielectric grease to terminal connection if desired. Reinstall protective terminal cover.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect negative terminal to battery
    Position negative cable terminal onto negative battery post. Ensure terminal is fully seated on post. Install and tighten terminal bolt to specification using 10mm socket and torque wrench. Apply small amount of dielectric grease to terminal connection if desired.
    ℹ️Small spark may occur when making final negative connection - this is normal.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall battery hold-down
    Position battery hold-down bracket over battery. Install hold-down bolt and tighten to specification using 13mm socket and torque wrench. Ensure battery is secure and does not move when pushed.
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine bay
3. Verify cables are properly routed and secured in all clips and brackets
4. Confirm cables do not contact hot engine components or moving parts

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify all dashboard warning lights illuminate normally then extinguish
• Start engine and verify it cranks and starts normally
• Check that all electrical accessories function properly (lights, radio, windows, etc.)
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
• Inspect all cable connections for signs of arcing, heat, or looseness
• Reset clock and radio presets as necessary
• If any warning lights remain on, use scan tool to check for diagnostic trouble codes that may require clearing or module reprogramming

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