This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, including all ground connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda part number for 1.5T Accord
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda part number for 1.5T Accord

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition OFF and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Ensure all electrical accessories (lights, radio, HVAC) are turned OFF
4. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
5. Open hood and secure with prop rod
6. Locate battery in driver's side engine compartment
7. Have radio code available if applicable for your vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove battery cover and access components
   Remove the plastic battery cover by releasing any clips or fasteners. On the 1.5T Accord, this may require removing the engine cover first. Set covers aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black/marked with '-') battery terminal bolt. Remove the terminal from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Do NOT allow it to touch any metal surfaces.
   ⚠️Ensure negative terminal cannot swing back and contact battery post during the procedure
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red/marked with '+') battery terminal bolt. Remove the terminal from the battery post and secure it away from the battery and any metal surfaces. Cover with a shop towel if necessary to prevent accidental shorts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove battery hold-down
   Using a 10mm or 12mm socket (depending on your specific model year), remove the battery hold-down bracket bolt. Remove the hold-down clamp and set aside. Carefully lift the battery out of the tray and set it aside in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect positive cable from fuse box
   Locate where the positive cable connects to the underhood fuse box. Remove the protective cover over the connection point. Using a 10mm or 12mm socket, remove the bolt(s) securing the positive cable terminal to the fuse box. Carefully extract the cable end.
6. 6

   Remove positive cable routing clips
   Trace the positive cable path and remove all retaining clips and fasteners securing it to the body and harness routing. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation. Remove the complete positive cable assembly from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Disconnect primary chassis ground
   Locate the negative cable's primary ground point on the chassis (typically near the battery tray or on the body). Using a 12mm or 13mm socket, remove the ground bolt securing the cable to the chassis. Note the grounding location and ensure the mating surface is clean.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Disconnect engine ground strap
   Locate the engine-to-chassis ground strap (typically connects from cylinder head or engine block to the chassis). Using a 12mm socket, remove the bolts at both ends of the ground strap. The 1.5T Accord has at least one main ground strap on the driver's side of the engine.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove negative cable assembly
   Remove any remaining clips or fasteners securing the negative cable. Note the routing path. Remove the complete negative cable assembly from the vehicle.
10. 10

    Clean all connection points
    Using a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner, thoroughly clean all grounding surfaces on the chassis and engine where cables will reconnect. Clean the battery terminal posts. Remove any corrosion with baking soda solution if necessary. Ensure all mating surfaces are bright and clean metal for proper electrical contact.
    ℹ️Clean ground connections are critical for proper electrical system operation and starting performance
11. 11

    Install new negative cable assembly
    Route the new negative cable assembly following the exact path noted during removal. Ensure it does not contact any sharp edges or heat sources. Install all routing clips but leave loose for final adjustment.
12. 12

    Connect engine ground strap
    Install the engine ground strap to both the engine and chassis mounting points. Ensure mating surfaces are clean and making full metal-to-metal contact. Install bolts and torque to specification.
    ⚠Ensure ground strap washers are positioned correctly and making good contact with cleaned surfaces
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect primary chassis ground
    Connect the negative cable to the primary chassis ground point. Ensure clean metal-to-metal contact. Install the ground bolt and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ground Cable Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install new positive cable assembly
    Route the new positive cable assembly following the exact path noted during removal. Ensure it is routed away from heat sources, sharp edges, and moving components. Install all routing clips.
15. 15

    Connect positive cable to fuse box
    Connect the positive cable terminal to the underhood fuse box connection point. Ensure the terminal is fully seated. Install and torque the mounting bolt(s) to specification. Reinstall the protective cover over the connection.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall battery and hold-down
    Clean the battery tray if necessary. Place the battery back into the tray, ensuring correct orientation. Install the hold-down clamp and torque the bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery case.
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Clean the positive battery post and cable terminal if needed. Connect the positive (red) cable terminal to the positive battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease if desired.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Clean the negative battery post and cable terminal if needed. Connect the negative (black) cable terminal to the negative battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease if desired.
    ℹ️Some electrical systems may initialize when negative terminal is connected; this is normal
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall battery cover and engine cover if removed
2. Verify all cable routing clips are secure
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine compartment
4. Close hood

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine - verify all dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Start the engine and verify it cranks normally with strong starter engagement
• Check that no warning lights remain illuminated after engine starts (except those that normally require driving to reset)
• Test electrical accessories (headlights, radio, power windows, HVAC) for proper operation
• Verify battery terminals are tight and show no movement when wiggled by hand
• Use a multimeter to verify battery voltage is approximately 12.6V with engine off and 13.8-14.4V with engine running
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• Enter radio code if required
• If applicable, initialize power window auto-up/down function by fully lowering then fully raising each window and holding the switch for 2 seconds

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