This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the positive battery cable on a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar cable for proper routing and connections
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion washers × 1 — Felt washers or spray

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove key from ignition
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Locate battery in engine compartment on driver side
6. Take photos of positive cable routing for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Secure the cable so it cannot swing back and touch the terminal.
2. 2

   Wait for system discharge
   Wait at least 2 minutes to allow the airbag system capacitors and other vehicle electronics to fully discharge before proceeding with work.
3. 3

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt. Carefully remove the positive cable from the battery post. If the terminal is stuck, use a battery terminal puller to avoid damaging the post. Cover the terminal end with a shop towel or insulating material to prevent accidental contact with ground.
   ⚠Keep the positive cable end away from all grounded metal surfaces to prevent sparking and electrical damage.
4. 4

   Remove positive cable from power distribution center
   Locate the Power Distribution Center (fuse box) near the battery. Remove the cover. Identify the positive cable connection point (typically a large red terminal or stud). Using a 13mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive cable to the distribution center. Carefully extract the cable terminal from the stud.
5. 5

   Remove positive cable from starter connection
   Trace the positive cable down to the starter motor on the passenger side of the engine. The cable connects to the starter solenoid terminal. Using a 13mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive cable to the starter. Remove the cable terminal from the stud. Note the orientation and any additional wiring at this connection point.
6. 6

   Release cable routing clips and remove cable
   Follow the positive cable along its routing path and release all clips, ties, and retainers securing it to the vehicle chassis and engine. Note the exact routing path, especially where the cable passes through grommets or around hot components. Remove the complete positive cable assembly from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean connection points
   Inspect the battery positive post, power distribution center terminal, and starter solenoid stud for corrosion, damage, or wear. Clean all connection points with a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner. Ensure all mating surfaces are bright and free of corrosion. Inspect the battery post for damage; replace battery if post is damaged.
8. 8

   Route new positive cable
   Route the new positive battery cable following the exact path of the original cable, referencing your photos. Ensure the cable does not contact hot exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving parts. Pass the cable through all original grommets and protective sleeves. Leave some slack to prevent tension on connections.
9. 9

   Connect cable to starter terminal
   Install the positive cable terminal onto the starter solenoid stud, ensuring it is fully seated and in the same orientation as the original. Reinstall any additional wiring that shares this connection point. Install the nut and tighten using a 13mm socket. Do not overtighten as this can damage the solenoid terminal.
10. 10

    Connect cable to power distribution center
    Install the positive cable terminal onto the power distribution center stud, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the nut and tighten using a 13mm socket. Ensure the connection is secure and the terminal cannot rotate. Reinstall the power distribution center cover.
11. 11

    Secure cable routing
    Secure the positive cable to all original mounting clips and retainers along its path. Use new zip ties if original clips are damaged. Verify the cable has adequate clearance from hot or moving components and is not under tension at any connection point.
12. 12

    Connect positive terminal to battery
    Clean the positive battery terminal connector with a wire brush if needed. Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the battery post. Install the positive cable terminal onto the battery post, ensuring it is fully seated. Install and hand-tighten the terminal bolt, then tighten to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    ⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolts as this can crack the battery case or damage the terminal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect negative battery terminal
    Clean the negative battery terminal connector with a wire brush if needed. Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the battery post. Install the negative cable terminal onto the battery post, ensuring it is fully seated. Install and hand-tighten the terminal bolt, then tighten to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Apply anti-corrosion spray or install felt washers on battery terminals to prevent future corrosion
2. Verify all cable connections are secure and properly torqued
3. Ensure cable routing does not interfere with any moving or hot components

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start) and verify all dashboard lights illuminate properly
• Check for any warning lights related to charging system or electrical faults
• Start the engine and verify it cranks normally with no unusual sounds or hesitation
• Verify all electrical systems function properly: lights, radio, power windows, etc.
• Check battery voltage with engine running (should be 13.5-14.5 volts indicating proper charging)
• Inspect all cable connections for signs of heat, looseness, or arcing after engine reaches operating temperature
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed

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