Replace both positive and negative battery cables on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including removal of battery and cable routing through the engine bay.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition and all accessories OFF
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Locate battery in left front corner of engine bay
5. Allow engine to cool if recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black/ground) 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 negative cable to touch any metal surfaces 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 (red) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the battery post. Cover the positive terminal with a shop towel or non-conductive material to prevent accidental shorts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove battery hold-down
   Locate the battery hold-down bracket at the base of the battery. Using a 10mm socket, remove the battery hold-down bolt. Remove the hold-down bracket and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove battery
   Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Battery weighs approximately 35 lbs. Place battery in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠Battery is heavy - use proper lifting technique to avoid injury
5. 5

   Remove positive cable from fuse box
   Follow the positive cable from the battery tray to the under-hood fuse box. Remove the fuse box cover. Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolt securing the positive cable terminal to the fuse box. Disconnect the cable.
6. 6

   Remove positive cable routing clips
   Trace the positive cable along its route and disconnect any plastic routing clips or cable ties securing it to the vehicle body. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove positive cable from starter
   Follow the positive cable to the starter motor connection point. Using a 12mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive cable terminal to the starter solenoid. Remove the old positive cable from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Remove negative cable from chassis ground
   Locate the negative cable ground point on the chassis near the battery tray. Using a 13mm socket, remove the bolt securing the ground cable to the chassis. Note the location and any other ground straps sharing this connection point.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove negative cable from engine ground
   Follow the negative cable to the engine block ground connection. Using a 13mm socket, remove the bolt securing the ground cable to the engine. If there are multiple ground straps, note their positions. Remove the old negative cable from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

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

    Clean all connection points
    Using a battery terminal brush or wire brush, thoroughly clean the battery tray, battery posts on the new battery if installing, and all cable connection points including fuse box terminal, starter terminal, chassis ground point, and engine ground point. Remove all corrosion and ensure bare metal contact surfaces.
11. 11

    Install new negative cable to engine ground
    Route the new negative cable to the engine block ground point. Install the ground cable terminal over the stud, ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact. If multiple ground straps are present, stack them in the original order. Thread the bolt and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new negative cable to chassis ground
    Route the negative cable to the chassis ground point near the battery tray. Install the ground cable terminal, ensuring clean contact. Thread the bolt and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ground Cable Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install new positive cable to starter
    Route the new positive cable following the original path noted during removal. Connect the positive cable terminal to the starter solenoid stud. Thread the 12mm nut and tighten securely. Do not overtighten.
14. 14

    Install positive cable routing clips
    Secure the positive cable along its route using the original routing clips and any cable ties as necessary. Ensure the cable is routed away from hot exhaust components, sharp edges, and moving parts.
15. 15

    Install positive cable to fuse box
    Connect the positive cable terminal to the under-hood fuse box connection point. Install the bolt and tighten to secure. Reinstall the fuse box cover.
16. 16

    Reinstall battery
    Clean the battery tray if necessary. Carefully place the battery back into the battery tray, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the hold-down bracket and bolt. Torque the hold-down 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. Place the positive cable terminal onto the positive battery post and hand-thread the terminal bolt. Torque to specification using a 10mm socket. Apply dielectric grease or battery protector spray 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. Place the negative cable terminal onto the negative battery post and hand-thread the terminal bolt. Torque to specification using a 10mm socket. Apply dielectric grease or battery protector spray if desired.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cable connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Verify positive cable is properly routed and secured away from heat and moving parts
3. Confirm battery hold-down is secure but not overtightened
4. Double-check that no tools or parts are left in the engine bay

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify dash lights illuminate normally
• Check for any warning lights that should not be present
• Start the engine and verify it cranks and starts normally
• Test electrical accessories (headlights, radio, power windows) to confirm proper operation
• Re-initialize power window auto-up/down function if necessary by rolling each window fully down, then fully up and holding the switch for 2 seconds
• Reset radio presets and clock as needed
• Inspect all cable connections for proper seating and no visible damage

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