This procedure covers removal and replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on the 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine, including all terminal connections and ground points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar 68272356AB or equivalent
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar 68272357AB or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and turn off all electrical accessories
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key from vehicle
3. Open hood and secure in upright position
4. Note radio presets and seat positions if desired
5. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
6. Photograph or document cable routing for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   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 and set aside the hold-down bracket. This provides access to the battery terminals and allows battery movement if needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect negative battery cable
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt on the battery post. Do not remove bolt completely. Once loose, use a battery terminal spreader or gently twist the terminal to break it free from the post. Pull the negative cable away from the battery and secure it away from the terminal to prevent accidental contact.
   ⚠️This must be the first cable disconnected to prevent short circuits during subsequent work.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect positive battery cable
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt on the battery post. Remove the terminal from the post and move the cable away from the battery. Note the presence of the red protective cover over the terminal.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove negative cable engine ground connection
   Follow the negative cable to the engine block ground point on the driver side of the engine. Using a 13mm socket, remove the ground cable bolt securing the cable terminal to the engine block. Note cable routing and any securing clips along the path.
   ℹ️Clean the engine block ground mounting surface with a wire brush to ensure good electrical contact during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove negative cable body ground connection
   Trace the negative cable to the chassis ground point near the battery tray on the inner fender. Using a 13mm socket, remove the ground strap bolt and detach the cable from the body. Clean the contact surface on the body mounting point with a wire brush to remove corrosion.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove positive cable from power distribution center
   Locate where the positive cable connects to the Power Distribution Center (fuse box) on the driver side near the battery. Remove the red protective cover. Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the positive cable terminal to the distribution center stud. Note cable routing through any clips or brackets.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old cables completely
   Free both cables from any remaining routing clips or ties along their paths. Remove the cables from the vehicle. Inspect the battery tray and surrounding area for corrosion. Clean with baking soda and water solution if needed, then dry thoroughly.
   ℹ️Take note of exact cable routing, especially where cables pass through body panels or near heat sources.
8. 8

   Install new negative cable body ground
   Route the new negative cable assembly through the same path as the original. Connect the ground strap terminal to the chassis ground point on the inner fender. Ensure the contact surface is clean and bare metal. Install and torque the ground strap bolt to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new negative cable engine ground
   Route the negative cable to the engine block ground point. Ensure the mounting surface on the engine block is clean and free of paint or corrosion. Position the cable terminal and install the ground cable bolt. Torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new positive cable to power distribution center
    Route the new positive cable through the original path to the Power Distribution Center. Position the cable terminal on the distribution center stud. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Replace the red protective cover over the connection.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect positive cable to battery
    Clean the positive battery post with a wire brush or terminal cleaner until shiny. Position the positive cable terminal onto the battery post. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the terminal if desired. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal or battery post.
    ⚠Overtightening battery terminal bolts can crack the battery case or strip the terminal threads. Use a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect negative cable to battery
    Clean the negative battery post with a wire brush or terminal cleaner until shiny. Position the negative cable terminal onto the battery post. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the terminal if desired. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Connecting the negative cable completes the circuit and restores power to the vehicle. Sparking at the terminal is normal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall battery hold-down
    Position the battery hold-down bracket over the battery base. Install the hold-down bolt and torque to specification. Ensure the 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 debris remain in engine compartment
3. Verify red protective covers are installed on all positive terminals
4. Check that cables are properly routed away from hot surfaces and moving components

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Check for proper operation of power windows, radio, and other electrical accessories
• Start engine and verify normal operation with no warning lights
• Perform auto-up window relearn procedure: with ignition on, roll each window fully down, then hold switch up for 2 seconds after window reaches top
• Reset clock, radio presets, and driver settings as needed
• Verify no corrosion or looseness at any cable connection points
• Check that battery voltage reads approximately 12.6V with engine off and 13.5-14.5V with engine running

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