Battery Cable - Negative

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the negative battery cable on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including disconnection from battery terminal and chassis ground points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Negative battery cable × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Battery terminal bolt (if corroded) × 1 — M6 battery terminal bolt
• Ground strap bolts (if corroded) × 2 — M8 ground bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Wait at least 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to enter sleep mode
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. If using a memory saver device, connect it to the 12V accessory outlet before disconnecting battery
6. Locate the battery in the engine compartment on the right side
7. Identify negative battery cable routing from battery terminal to chassis ground points

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Loosen the negative battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Turn counterclockwise until the terminal clamp can be removed. Carefully lift the negative cable terminal off the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Secure the cable with a tie or tape to keep it clear.
   ⚠The negative terminal is marked with a minus (-) symbol. Do not disconnect the positive terminal.
2. 2

   Remove battery hold-down (if necessary)
   If the battery hold-down bracket interferes with cable access, remove the hold-down bolt using a 13mm socket. Lift and set aside the hold-down bracket. This may be required depending on cable routing and replacement needs.
3. 3

   Trace and document cable routing
   Follow the negative battery cable from the battery terminal to all ground points. Typical ground locations include the engine block, chassis rail near the battery, and body ground points. Take photos or notes of the exact routing, clip positions, and attachment points for proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect primary chassis ground point
   Locate the primary ground connection point on the chassis rail near the battery area. Use a 10mm or 13mm socket (depending on bolt size) to remove the ground cable bolt. Lift the cable terminal off the stud. Inspect the ground contact area for corrosion.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt14 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect engine block ground strap
   Locate the ground strap connection to the engine block, typically on the side of the engine or cylinder head. Remove the ground strap bolt using appropriate socket size. Note the position of any other ground straps or cables sharing the same stud.
   ℹ️Multiple ground straps may share the same mounting point. Keep track of the stacking order for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove additional ground connections
   Check for and disconnect any additional ground strap connections along the cable route. These may connect to the body, subframe, or other chassis points. Remove each ground strap bolt and carefully separate the connections.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Release cable from retaining clips
   Carefully release the negative battery cable from all plastic retaining clips and cable guides along its route. Use pliers if needed to gently squeeze clip tabs. Do not force or break clips as they maintain proper cable routing and prevent chafing.
8. 8

   Remove negative battery cable
   With all connections and clips released, carefully remove the complete negative battery cable from the vehicle. Inspect the cable for damage, excessive corrosion, or fraying. Compare the old cable to the new cable to ensure correct length and terminal configurations.
9. 9

   Clean all ground contact surfaces
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean all ground connection surfaces on the chassis, engine block, and body. Remove all corrosion, paint, and oxidation down to bare metal. Clean the mounting studs with a wire brush. Spray electrical contact cleaner on all surfaces and wipe dry.
   ⚠Ground contact surfaces must be clean bare metal for proper electrical continuity. Poor grounds cause starting problems and electrical malfunctions.
10. 10

    Install new negative battery cable
    Route the new negative battery cable along the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact sharp edges, hot components, or moving parts. Secure the cable in all original retaining clips and guides. Verify clearance from exhaust components and moving belts.
11. 11

    Connect engine block ground strap
    Position the cable terminal on the engine block ground stud, ensuring the mating surface contacts clean metal. If multiple grounds share the stud, install them in the original order. Install the ground strap bolt and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    ℹ️Ensure the terminal ring is flat against the mounting surface with no gaps or paint interference.
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect chassis ground connections
    Attach the cable terminal to the chassis ground stud, ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact. Install the ground cable bolt and torque to specification. Connect any additional ground strap bolts along the cable route and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ground Cable Bolt14 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect negative battery terminal
    Clean the negative battery post with a wire brush until shiny. Position the cable terminal over the negative battery post and press down fully. Install the battery terminal bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the terminal connection to prevent corrosion.
    ⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolt as this can damage the terminal or battery post.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall battery hold-down
    If the battery hold-down was removed, position it over the battery and install the hold-down bolt. Torque to specification. Ensure the battery is secure and cannot move.
    Torque spec

    Battery Hold-Down Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all ground connections are tight and torqued to specification
2. Confirm negative battery cable is properly routed and secured in all clips
3. Check that cable has adequate clearance from hot and moving components
4. Remove memory saver device if used

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Check for any warning lights or electrical system fault messages
• Start the engine and verify it cranks and starts normally without hesitation
• Test all electrical systems including lights, windows, radio, and climate control
• Perform window re-initialization procedure if required (auto up/down function)
• Verify no rattles or vibrations from loose cable routing
• Check battery charging voltage with engine running (should be 13.5-14.5V)
• Reset clock and reprogram radio presets as needed

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