Battery Cable - Positive

Replace the positive battery cable on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, including removal of battery, cable routing through engine bay, and connection points at starter and alternator.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Battery terminal protection spray or pads × 1 — Anti-corrosion treatment

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove key from ignition
3. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Locate battery in right side of engine bay
6. Take photos of positive cable routing for reference during reinstallation
7. If using battery memory saver, connect to OBD-II port before disconnecting battery

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery terminals
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal first by loosening the terminal bolt with a 10mm socket. Remove the negative cable and secure it away from the battery post. Then disconnect the positive terminal by loosening the terminal bolt and carefully removing the positive cable from the battery post. Cover the positive terminal with a cloth to prevent accidental contact.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove battery hold-down and battery
   Remove the battery hold-down bracket by loosening the hold-down bolt with a 13mm socket. Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Set aside in a safe location. Inspect the battery tray for corrosion and clean if necessary.
   ⚠Battery weighs approximately 40-50 lbs. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove positive cable from starter connection
   Locate the positive cable connection at the starter motor on the lower rear of the engine. Remove any heat shields or covers that obstruct access. Disconnect the positive cable from the starter solenoid terminal by removing the mounting nut with a 13mm socket. Note the cable routing and any securing clips or brackets.
   ⚠Work may require access from underneath the vehicle. Ensure vehicle is properly supported if raising is necessary.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect positive cable from alternator
   Locate the alternator on the front of the engine. Remove the rubber protective cover from the alternator B+ terminal. Using a 10mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive cable ring terminal to the alternator output stud. Carefully pull the cable terminal away from the alternator.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove cable routing clips and brackets
   Trace the positive cable from battery to starter and alternator, identifying all mounting brackets, clips, and ties securing the cable. Remove bracket bolts where applicable and release cable from all retention points. Note the exact routing path through the engine bay, especially near the turbochargers and exhaust manifolds where heat protection is critical.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old positive battery cable
   Once all connections and mounting points are freed, carefully extract the old positive battery cable from the engine bay. Inspect the cable path for any damage to surrounding components or wiring harnesses. Check the new cable against the old cable to verify correct length and terminal configurations.
   ℹ️Compare new cable to old cable before disposal to ensure all connection points and lengths match.
7. 7

   Clean all connection points
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the battery terminal posts, alternator B+ stud, and starter solenoid terminal. Remove all corrosion, oxidation, and debris. Ensure all mating surfaces are bright and clean for optimal electrical conductivity. Clean the inside of the cable terminals on the new cable if necessary.
8. 8

   Route new positive cable
   Route the new positive battery cable through the engine bay following the exact path of the original cable. Ensure the cable avoids contact with hot exhaust components, sharp edges, and moving parts such as drive belts and cooling fans. Verify adequate slack for engine movement but avoid excessive looseness that could allow cable chafing.
9. 9

   Connect cable to starter
   Attach the positive cable ring terminal to the starter solenoid stud. Install the mounting nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the terminal sits flat against the mounting surface with no gaps or misalignment. Reinstall any heat shields or protective covers removed earlier.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect cable to alternator
    Place the positive cable ring terminal onto the alternator B+ output stud. Ensure the terminal is properly seated. Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification. Reinstall the rubber protective cover over the alternator terminal to prevent accidental short circuits.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Secure cable with brackets and clips
    Secure the positive cable at all original mounting points using the brackets and clips removed during disassembly. Install bracket bolts and tighten to specification. Use new cable ties where original ties were cut. Ensure the cable is held firmly but not compressed or kinked. Verify clearance from all moving and hot components.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall battery and connect terminals
    Place the battery back into the battery tray, ensuring correct polarity orientation. Install the battery hold-down bracket and tighten the hold-down bolt to specification. Connect the positive cable to the positive battery post first, then tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Finally, connect the negative cable to the negative post and tighten to specification. Apply anti-corrosion treatment to both terminals.
    Torque spec

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

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Ensure cable routing is secure and clear of moving parts and heat sources
3. Verify battery terminals are clean and properly protected with anti-corrosion treatment
4. Remove battery memory saver if used
5. Close hood and test all electrical systems

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify all dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Start the engine and verify it cranks normally with no hesitation
• Check that alternator warning light goes off after engine starts
• Use a multimeter to verify charging system voltage (13.5-14.5V at idle with engine running)
• Test major electrical systems: headlights, climate control, windows, infotainment
• Inspect positive cable routing with engine running to ensure no contact with moving parts
• Check for any unusual odors or heat at cable connections after 5-10 minutes of running
• Reset clock and radio presets; recalibrate steering angle sensor if steering warning light appears

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