electrical

Battery Cables - Both

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.3 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the complete replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including all ground straps and connections.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnecting battery on diesel vehicles may affect computer systems. Ensure you have radio and security codes before proceeding.

⚠Always disconnect negative terminal first and reconnect it last to prevent short circuits.

⚠These diesel engines have high amperage draw at startup. Ensure all connections are clean and torqued properly to specification.

ℹ️Battery memory saver devices are not recommended for this procedure as cable removal is required.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

13mm socket and ratchetEssential

Battery terminal puller

Wire brushEssential

Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential

Dielectric grease

Anti-seize compound

Battery terminal cleanerEssential

Extension setEssential

Parts

Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Battery ground strap × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool and ignition is off with keys removed from vehicle
Open hood and secure in upright position
Locate battery in engine compartment on driver side
Identify all cable routing paths and connections before removal
Take photos of cable routing for reference during installation

Procedure

1
Disconnect negative battery terminal
Loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Remove the terminal from the battery post using a battery terminal puller if necessary. Move the cable away from the battery and secure it to prevent accidental contact.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2
Disconnect positive battery terminal
Loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm socket. Remove the terminal from the battery post. Cover the terminal end with a non-conductive cloth to prevent accidental grounding during work.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3
Remove battery hold-down
Remove the battery hold-down clamp bolt using a 13mm socket. Remove the hold-down clamp and set aside. Carefully lift the battery out of the tray and place in a safe location.
⚠Battery weighs approximately 50-60 lbs. Use proper lifting technique.
Torque spec
Battery Hold-Down Bolt15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4
Remove positive cable connections
Trace the positive cable from battery to starter motor and junction block. Remove the positive cable terminal from the starter solenoid using a 13mm socket. Disconnect any additional connections at the power distribution center. Note the routing path and any cable retaining clips.
5
Remove negative cable and ground straps
Remove the negative cable connection at the engine block ground point using a 13mm socket. Remove ground strap connections at the frame rail and body. Remove any additional ground strap bolts connecting to the engine or transmission bell housing.
Torque spec
Ground Cable Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6
Remove old cables from vehicle
Release all cable routing clips and ties. Carefully remove both positive and negative cable assemblies from the vehicle, noting their routing paths through the engine bay. Inspect mounting points for corrosion or damage.
7
Clean all connection points
Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean all cable mounting surfaces including engine block ground points, frame ground locations, starter solenoid terminal, and battery posts. Remove all corrosion, dirt, and old dielectric grease. Clean surfaces should show bare metal for proper electrical contact.
ℹ️Ground connection quality is critical on Cummins diesel engines for proper ECM operation and starting performance.
8
Route new negative cable
Route the new negative cable assembly following the original path from battery location to engine block and frame ground points. Ensure cable does not contact any sharp edges, moving parts, or heat sources. Install cable routing clips loosely to allow adjustment.
9
Install negative cable ground connections
Connect the negative cable to the engine block ground point. Install ground strap to frame rail and body locations. Apply light coat of anti-seize to bolt threads. Torque all ground connections to specification, ensuring ground strap bolts are properly seated before torquing.
Torque spec
Ground Cable Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
Ground Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
10
Route new positive cable
Route the new positive cable assembly from battery location to starter motor and power distribution center following the original path. Maintain proper clearance from exhaust components, turbocharger, and moving parts. Secure with routing clips loosely.
11
Install positive cable connections
Connect the positive cable terminal to the starter solenoid stud. Install any additional connections at the power distribution center or junction block. Apply dielectric grease to connections. Torque starter connection securely but do not overtighten to avoid damaging solenoid threads.
12
Reinstall battery and connect cables
Place battery back in tray. Install hold-down clamp and torque bolt to specification. Clean battery posts with terminal cleaner. Apply thin layer of dielectric grease to posts. Connect positive terminal first and torque to specification. Connect negative terminal last and torque to specification. Ensure terminals are fully seated on posts.
⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolts as this can crack the terminal clamps or damage battery posts.
Torque spec
Battery Hold-Down Bolt15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13
Secure cable routing
Tighten all cable routing clips and verify cables are properly secured along their entire length. Ensure cables have no contact with moving parts, sharp edges, or excessive heat sources. Verify adequate clearance for engine movement.

Reassembly

Double-check all ground connections are tight and making clean metal-to-metal contact
Verify positive cable connections are secure at starter and power distribution points
Ensure battery terminals are tight and fully seated on battery posts
Confirm all cable routing clips are installed and cables are properly secured

Verification

Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify all dash warning lights illuminate normally
Check that all electrical accessories function properly (lights, radio, windows)
Start engine and verify normal cranking speed with no hesitation or clicking
Allow engine to idle and verify charging system voltage is 13.5-14.5 volts
Check all cable connections for excessive heat after 5 minutes of running
Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on dash after startup
Test all electrical systems including grid heater function on cold starts