Q: What is the importance of inspecting battery cables for engine performance and starting?
A: To ensure proper engine performance and starting, it is important to periodically inspect battery cables for damage, cracked or burned insulation, and corrosion. Check cable-to-terminal connections for cracks, loose wire strands, and corrosion, and replace any corroded cables. When removing the battery positive cable, first remove the cover from the engine compartment fuse and relay box, disconnect the positive battery cable connector from the Underhood Bussed Electrical Center, detach the positive battery cable protector from the studs on the front of the cowl, and remove the nuts securing the cable to the Alternator, battery positive terminal, and fuse and relay box. Trace the cable to the alternator and disconnect the terminal from the B+ stud. To remove the battery ground cable, disconnect the electrical connector from the current sensor and detach the sensor clip from the battery tray, disconnect the ground cable from the stud on the front end of the right cylinder head, and remove the under-engine rock guard and detach the lower ground cable terminals from the left and right ends of the front frame crossmember. Carefully remove the ground cable harness, noting how the two lower ground cables are routed. Installation is the reverse of removal for both cables.