This procedure covers the complete replacement of both positive and negative battery cables on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including all ground connections and terminal connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure the ignition is off and all accessories are turned off
2. Remove any jewelry or metal objects from your hands and wrists
3. Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment on the driver's side
4. Take note or photograph radio presets if desired

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen the negative (black, marked with minus sign) battery terminal bolt. Lift the terminal off the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen the positive (red, marked with plus sign) battery terminal bolt. Carefully lift the terminal off the battery post and position it away from any metal surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove battery hold-down
   Locate the battery hold-down bracket at the base of the battery. Remove the 10mm hold-down bolt and remove the bracket. Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray to access the cables beneath.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect positive cable from fuse box
   Follow the positive cable to the main fuse box on the passenger side of the engine bay. Remove the red protective cover. Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolt securing the positive cable terminal to the fuse box. Note the exact routing of the cable for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove positive cable harness clips
   Trace the positive cable and release all harness clips and tie-downs securing it to the engine bay. Carefully remove the entire positive cable assembly from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Disconnect engine block ground connection
   Locate the negative cable ground connection on the engine block (typically on the left side of the engine near the transmission bellhousing). Using a 12mm or 14mm socket, remove the bolt securing the ground cable to the engine. Note the exact location and orientation of any washers or spacers.
   Torque spec

   Ground Cable Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect body ground connections
   Follow the negative cable to the body ground point(s) on the inner fender or chassis. Remove the bolts securing the ground strap(s) to the body. The negative cable may have multiple ground points - ensure all are disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove negative cable assembly
   Release all harness clips and tie-downs securing the negative cable. Carefully remove the entire negative cable assembly from the vehicle, noting the exact routing for reinstallation.
9. 9

   Clean all connection points
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the battery posts, all cable terminal contact surfaces, and all ground contact points on the engine block and body. Remove all corrosion and oxidation until bright metal is visible. Clean the battery tray if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new positive cable
    Route the new positive cable following the exact path of the original cable. Secure all harness clips and tie-downs. Connect the positive cable terminal to the fuse box and hand-tighten the bolt. Do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Install new negative cable ground connections
    Route the new negative cable following the exact path of the original. Connect the ground strap(s) to the body ground point(s), ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact. Hand-tighten the ground strap bolts. Connect the engine block ground and hand-tighten the bolt.
12. 12

    Torque all ground connections
    Using a torque wrench, torque the engine block ground bolt to specification. Then torque all body ground strap bolts to specification. Ensure all ground connections have clean, tight contact.
    Torque spec

    Ground Cable Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque positive cable fuse box connection
    Using a torque wrench with a 10mm socket, torque the positive cable bolt at the fuse box to the appropriate specification for module mounting bolts. Reinstall the red protective cover over the fuse box connection.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall battery and connect positive terminal
    Place the battery back into the battery tray, ensuring it sits flush. Reinstall the hold-down bracket and torque the hold-down bolt to specification. Clean the positive battery post if needed, then install the positive cable terminal onto the positive post and torque the terminal bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Connect negative terminal
    Clean the negative battery post if needed. Install the negative cable terminal onto the negative battery post and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Apply battery terminal protector spray or dielectric grease to both terminals if desired.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Ensure no cables are pinched, stretched, or in contact with hot or moving components
3. Verify the battery hold-down is secure and the battery does not move when pushed

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start) and verify all dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Start the engine and verify proper operation with no warning lights
• Test all electrical accessories including lights, radio, power windows, and climate control
• Re-initialize power windows by fully lowering and raising each window with the switch held for 2 seconds at each end
• Check for any voltage drop across connections using a multimeter if available - should be less than 0.2V
• Reset radio presets and clock as needed

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