Replacement of the positive battery cable on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4, including disconnection at battery terminal and all harness connection points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Positive battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is parked on level surface with parking brake engaged
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Locate battery in engine bay (driver side)
5. Identify all positive cable routing and connection points before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative terminal from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt. Carefully remove the positive terminal from the battery post. If terminal is stuck, use a battery terminal puller to avoid damaging the post.
3. 3

   Remove positive cable cover
   Locate the red protective cover over the positive cable at the battery terminal. Carefully remove or fold back the cover to expose the cable connection point and mounting area.
4. 4

   Disconnect cable at underhood fuse box
   Trace the positive cable from the battery to the underhood fuse box (located on driver side). Remove the 10mm bolt securing the cable terminal to the fuse box power stud. Note the position and orientation of any other cables or terminals on the same stud.
5. 5

   Release cable routing clips
   Follow the positive cable route and release all cable routing clips and ties securing the cable to the vehicle chassis and wire harness. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove old positive cable
   Once all connection points and routing clips are released, carefully remove the positive battery cable from the vehicle. Inspect the cable path to ensure no additional mounting points were missed.
7. 7

   Clean battery terminal and connections
   Use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to clean the positive battery post and the connection point at the underhood fuse box. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or oxidation to ensure good electrical contact.
8. 8

   Route new positive cable
   Route the new positive battery cable following the exact path of the original cable. Ensure the cable does not contact any sharp edges, moving parts, or heat sources. Secure cable with routing clips as noted during removal.
9. 9

   Connect cable at underhood fuse box
   Connect the positive cable terminal to the power stud on the underhood fuse box. Install any other cables or terminals that share this connection point in their original positions. Install and torque the 10mm bolt to specification.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect positive battery terminal
    Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the positive battery post if desired. Place the positive terminal onto the battery post and install the terminal bolt. Torque to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure terminal does not rotate on post after tightening.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect negative battery terminal
    Place the negative terminal onto the negative battery post and install the terminal bolt. Torque to specification. Reinstall the positive cable protective cover if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cable routing clips are properly secured and cable is not contacting moving parts
2. Verify protective covers are installed over battery terminals
3. Confirm battery hold-down is properly secured

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify dash lights illuminate normally
• Start engine and verify it cranks and starts without hesitation
• Check that no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
• Test electrical systems (lights, radio, power windows) for proper operation
• Visually inspect positive cable routing for proper clearance from moving parts and heat sources
• Reprogram power window auto-up/down feature if necessary by rolling each window fully down then fully up and holding for 2 seconds

More procedures for this vehicle