This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the negative battery cable on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine, including disconnection from the battery and engine ground points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Negative battery cable × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure ignition is off and key is removed from vehicle
2. Turn off all electrical accessories including lights, radio, and climate control
3. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
4. Position vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Locate the negative battery terminal (marked with minus sign or black cover) on the battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm socket, loosen the terminal bolt. Do not remove the bolt completely, just loosen enough to lift the cable off the terminal. Carefully pull the cable end away from the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Locate engine ground connections
   The negative battery cable grounds to the engine block and chassis. On the 3.6L engine, locate the primary ground connection on the driver's side of the engine block below the cylinder head. A secondary ground strap connects to the chassis near the battery tray. Identify all ground connection points before removal.
3. 3

   Remove engine block ground connection
   Using a 13mm socket and extension, remove the bolt securing the negative cable lug to the engine block. The bolt may have multiple ground straps or wires attached. Note the position and order of any washers, straps, or additional grounds for proper reassembly. Remove the cable lug from the stud.
4. 4

   Remove chassis ground connection
   Locate the chassis ground strap connection near the battery tray or inner fender. Remove the 13mm bolt securing this connection. Keep track of any additional grounds or straps that share this connection point.
5. 5

   Remove cable routing clips
   Trace the negative battery cable along its routing path. Release any cable clips or ties securing the cable to the vehicle. Note the cable routing for proper installation of the new cable. Remove the old cable from the vehicle completely.
6. 6

   Clean all connection surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the battery terminal post, engine block ground mounting surface, and chassis ground mounting surface. Remove all corrosion, dirt, and oxidation. For heavily corroded areas, apply baking soda and water solution to neutralize acid, then clean thoroughly and dry completely. Clean contact surfaces are critical for proper electrical conductivity.
7. 7

   Route new negative cable
   Route the new negative battery cable following the same path as the original cable. Ensure the cable is not kinked, twisted, or routed near sharp edges or heat sources. Verify adequate slack exists for engine movement and that the cable will not contact moving parts.
8. 8

   Install chassis ground connection
   Position the cable lug and any additional ground straps onto the chassis ground stud in the same order as removed. Install the bolt and tighten to specification. Ensure all mating surfaces are clean metal-to-metal contact.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install engine block ground connection
   Position the cable lug and any additional ground straps or wires onto the engine block ground stud in the original order. Install the bolt and tighten to specification. Verify clean metal-to-metal contact at all connection points.
   Torque spec

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

    Secure cable routing
    Install all cable routing clips and ties to secure the negative cable in its proper position. Ensure the cable cannot contact moving parts, sharp edges, or hot surfaces. Verify adequate clearance for engine movement.
11. 11

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Apply a light coat of dielectric grease to the battery post if desired. Position the cable terminal over the negative battery post. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal or cable lug.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all ground connections are tight and secure with proper torque values applied
2. Ensure cable routing does not interfere with any moving parts or create chafing points
3. Confirm battery terminal connection is clean and properly torqued

Verification

• Check that all electrical systems function properly including lights, radio, and accessories
• Verify engine cranks and starts normally
• Re-initialize power windows if necessary by rolling each window fully down, then fully up and holding the switch for 2 seconds
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• Visually inspect all ground connections for tightness and proper contact

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