Battery Cables - Both

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

Tools required

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

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

Procedure

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

1. Double-check all ground connections are tight and making clean metal-to-metal contact
2. Verify positive cable connections are secure at starter and power distribution points
3. Ensure battery terminals are tight and fully seated on battery posts
4. 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

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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