This procedure covers the cleaning, inspection, and replacement of battery terminals and cables on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Battery terminal (positive) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Battery terminal (negative) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Battery terminal protector spray or pads × 1 — Anti-corrosion treatment

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is off and key is removed from ignition
2. Turn off all electrical accessories including lights, radio, and HVAC
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Locate battery in engine compartment (driver side front)
6. Identify positive (red) and negative (black) terminals

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery cable
   Using appropriate wrench or socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt completely. Use battery terminal puller if terminal is stuck to post. Do not pry with screwdriver as this can damage battery case. Remove cable and position away from battery post to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery cable
   Loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt completely. Use battery terminal puller if needed. Remove cable and cover terminal end with shop towel or insulating material to prevent accidental grounding. Position away from battery and any metal surfaces.
3. 3

   Inspect battery posts and cables
   Examine battery posts for corrosion, damage, or deformation. Check cable ends for fraying, corrosion, or cracks in insulation. Inspect terminal clamps for cracks or stripped threads. Replace any components showing significant damage or corrosion that cannot be cleaned.
4. 4

   Clean battery posts
   Using wire brush or battery post cleaning tool, thoroughly clean both positive and negative battery posts until bright metal is visible. Remove all corrosion, oxidation, and debris. For heavy corrosion, apply baking soda and water solution, allow to neutralize acid, then scrub clean. Wipe dry with shop towel.
5. 5

   Clean or replace battery terminals
   If reusing terminals, clean inside of terminal clamps with wire brush or terminal cleaning tool until bright metal is visible. Clean terminal bolt threads with wire brush. If replacing terminals, ensure new terminals are correct type and size for battery posts. Verify terminal bolt moves freely in threads.
6. 6

   Apply dielectric grease to posts
   Apply thin coat of dielectric grease to cleaned battery posts to help prevent future corrosion. Do not over-apply as excess can attract dirt. Grease should create moisture barrier without being excessive.
7. 7

   Reconnect positive battery cable
   Place positive (red) terminal onto positive battery post. Ensure terminal is seated fully onto post and oriented correctly to avoid cable strain. Hand-tighten terminal bolt, then torque to specification using torque wrench. Terminal should be snug but not over-tightened to prevent cracking.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect negative battery cable
   Place negative (black) terminal onto negative battery post. Ensure terminal is fully seated and properly oriented. Hand-tighten terminal bolt, then torque to specification. This completes the electrical circuit.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Check ground connections
   Inspect engine block ground strap connection points. If ground straps were disconnected or show corrosion, clean contact surfaces with wire brush and reconnect. Torque ground strap bolts and ground cable bolts to specification ensuring good electrical contact.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Ground Cable Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Apply terminal protector
    Spray battery terminal protector on both terminals or install felt terminal protector pads. This provides additional corrosion protection. Ensure coverage of terminal clamp and exposed post areas.

Reassembly

1. Verify both terminals are tight and do not rotate on battery posts
2. Ensure no tools or materials are left in engine compartment
3. Check that battery cables are routed properly without strain or contact with hot engine components

Verification

• Attempt to rotate each terminal by hand - they should not move on battery posts
• Turn ignition to ON position and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Start engine and verify normal operation with no warning lights
• Test electrical accessories (lights, radio, windows) for proper function
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• Inspect terminals after 24-48 hours of operation for any signs of looseness or new corrosion

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