how much is a positive battery cable

Full Answer

What is the positive battery cable on a car?

Positive Battery Cable. There is also a smaller cable that goes directly from the alternator/battery output (B+) terminal directly to the positive terminal on the battery that supplies the electricity that charges the battery. The other very large battery cable is the negative cable, normally black.

How much does it cost to replace positive&negative cables?

A factory cable assembly that includes both the positive and negative cables and other harness connections costs about $131, which makes the job cost about $341. For a 2010 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.8-liter engine, the labor time to replace the positive and negative cables is estimated at 1.2 hours.

What is the difference between a positive and negative a battery?

A battery has a positive and a negative terminal, and each is connected to the vehicle through heavy electrical cables. The negative cable is usually simple, connecting from the negative battery terminal to a primary ground point on the chassis.

How much does it cost to replace a battery cable?

A factory battery cable price is about $60, and a Standard replacement part costs about $15. The total cost to complete the job for the negative cable would be about $110 using OE parts, or about $65 using aftermarket parts.

How much does it cost to replace a positive battery cable?

The average cost for battery cable replacement is between $301 and $330. Labor costs are estimated between $77 and $97 while parts are priced between $224 and $233. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How do you fix a positive battery cable?

2:414:18How to Check and Replace Your Battery Cable and Terminal EndsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst disconnect the grounded battery cable before replacing the terminal on either cable. ThenMoreFirst disconnect the grounded battery cable before replacing the terminal on either cable. Then remove the old terminal by cutting or sawing as close to the cables terminal as possible.

What is the positive battery cable called?

Check your battery-terminal connections. Start by looking at the battery-terminal connections — the positive cable (red). They need to be in good working condition for the current to flow from battery to starter.

Will AutoZone replace battery cables?

From individual cables, to a full battery terminal kit and even just the grease you need to install your part, AutoZone is your one-stop shop for everything when it comes time to replace your battery cables. Utilize Same Day Store Pickup to get your part today.

How much does it cost to replace car battery terminals?

Replace your battery terminals in an hour for less than $20. Replace your car's badly corroded battery cable terminals with new ones in about an hour. New terminals cost less than $20.

What would cause a positive battery cable to melt?

High resistance and high current flow will cause battery terminals to melt. When electrons are restricted to pass through, it will create heat. Depending on the amount of resistance buildup near battery, that much heat will be generated. Resistance can be too high to the point that terminals can melt.

What size is 12v battery cable?

Ideally, a 6 gauge cable is the best option for a 12-volt power supply. This automotive wire can sustain a maximum of 60 volts and is ideal for 12-volt electrical systems.

What does the positive battery cable do?

The positive cable connects the battery to the starter motor and the car's electrical system, while the negative cable connects the battery to a grounding point. Each cable attaches to the battery with a terminal end.

How do I know battery cable size?

Stranded wire gauges should be measured by calculating the equivalent cross sectional copper area. First, measure the bare diameter of a single strand and locate the circular mils value in the row that matches your measurement. Second, multiply the circular mils by the number of strands in the cable.

How do I know if my battery cables are bad?

0:493:56Auto Advice : How to Check Your Battery Cables - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst we want to check for looseness on the cables by giving them a little twist to see. I alwaysMoreFirst we want to check for looseness on the cables by giving them a little twist to see. I always want to have the cables tightened properly we're also going to look for corrosion. And we definitely

When should you replace battery cables?

As cables are usually relatively inexpensive, it is always recommended to replace them once they have become too corroded or worn out. In this step by step guide, we will go over how to inspect, remove, and install battery cables, using nothing more than a few basic hand tools.

Does the positive battery cable connect to the starter?

The positive cable connects the positive "+" battery terminal to the starter solenoid. A poor connection at the battery cables can cause the starter motor to not run.

What is a positive cable?

The positive cable is the one that is normally covered with a plastic insulating cover to protect against shorting to any metal part of the automobile. This is because the negative terminal is attached to the body or the engine of the car and can usually be seen by following the cable down to where it attaches to the body or engine block.

How to tell if a red wire is positive or negative?

If you can’t tell by looking, then use a voltmeter. Everyone should have one of these. Buy one if you don’t. Set your new meter for DC and set the range for at least 12 volts. Put one test lead on each terminal. If your meter is reading positive, then your red wire is on Positive. If it is reading negative then the red wire is on Negative.

What color is a positive terminal?

Typically, the cable that is put on the positive terminal is longer. Also, its color may be red. You will know which cable where to place.

What is the negative terminal of a car?

If there is one thich cable from one terminal post to car chassis or engine block, in almost all cases, that will be the negative terminal.

What is the difference between a positive and negative terminal?

Like in this photo, the negative (ground) terminal is unprotected but the positive terminal has a red large plastic insulator (in this cae clearly marked with a “plus” sign) fitted over it. Normally hinged to allow access when needed.

Why don't you rely on cable colors?

Preferably don’t rely on cable colours, simply because anyone may have changed any cable at any time over the life of the vehicle.

Can you get a voltmeter?

you can always get a voltmeter and be sure.

Where does the positive battery cable go?

The other section of the positive battery cable goes to the interior electrical distribution center. This is also a large, fused power distribution center that supplies ...

What is the difference between a negative and positive cable?

The negative cable is normally black, and the positive cable is normally red. The positive cable, normally red, divides into two very large sections. One section goes to the engine and under hood area. Its first stop is often the starter motor and then on to a main underhood electrical distribution center and fuse panel.

What is the cable that goes directly to the battery?

There is also a smaller cable that goes directly from the alternator/battery output (B+) terminal directly to the positive terminal on the battery that supplies the electricity that charges the battery. The other very large battery cable is the negative cable, normally black. It provides the ground or return path to the battery ...

What is the black cable on a battery?

The other very large battery cable is the negative cable, normally black. It provides the ground or return path to the battery so that all of the electrical circuits have a "pure" ground path to the battery. The largest section of the negative cable goes directly to the engine. This allows a return path for the huge amounts ...

What is the negative terminal on a car battery?

This allows for the interior and exterior lighting systems to have a clear return path to ground which is the negative terminal on the battery. It also provides a "pure" ground path to be used by other interior electrical systems though some interior electrical systems, such as the instrument panel, use individual or "dedicated" ground wires in order to have a "pure" and "noiseless" return path to the negative terminal on the battery.

How does a negative cable work?

This allows a return path for the huge amounts of electrical current used by the starter motor when it cranks or "turns over" the engine. When a vehicle is being started, more electrical energy is being used than is required to power a 4 bedroom house. This is usually more than 150-250 amps. This large amount of electrical energy must return to the battery very efficiently or the starter motor will not produce the required torque that rotates the crankshaft at the speed that is needed to "fire" the engine.

What gauge wire is used for battery banks?

4 gauge wire makes great accessory leads and alternator wiring (up to about 160A). Many cars use this as a battery cable. Some electric ATVs use #4 for the battery banks. It also makes very good automotive booster cables.

What is SGX battery cable?

Sometimes we use SGX battery cable. SGX uses a high-grade XLP (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) insulation which has a higher temperature rating and is more abrasion-resistant. The trade-off is the insulation is thicker and stiffer. Often it has a higher strand count. If you need a higher temp rating, it’s a good choice.

What is OFC wire?

OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) wire often gets sold by stereo shops to hook up speakers or a high power amp. Don’t waste your money. This stuff is just another way for slick salesmen to get more of your hard-earned money.

What is the difference between OFC and standard wire?

What’s different about it? Standard wire is AT LEAST 99.90% pure copper. OFC is 99.95% pure copper. An extra 0.05% copper sounds good. What’s the downside? COST. OFC is often TWICE the price for the same size of standard cable. So you are paying DOUBLE for 0.05% more copper. There is NO measurable electric difference (source Wikipedia ).

What is SGT cable?

We generally use SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) SGT battery cable. SGT designates the type of insulation. (Wire is rated by several characteristics but most commonly it’s insulation type. For example ‘THHN” is probably what you have for the wiring in your house. THHN stands for “ T hermoplastic H igh H eat-resistant N ylon-coated). SGT is a thermoplastic PVC (polyvinyl chloride) insulation rated at 50 volts. It’s typically rated for 85 or 105 degrees C.

What wire should I use for a 4 cylinder engine?

We recommend #2 wire for 4 cylinder and small 6 cylinder automotive engines, hi-power accessories (like winches, power converters), and alternators over 160A.

What gauge is used for low power alternators?

8 gauge works for accessory leads and low power alternators.

What is a battery cable in an RV?

RV battery cables are a small but essential part of a complex and integral system in your RV. Choosing the wrong size battery cable can lead to extra cost, frustration, and potentially even a fire. However, picking the correct battery cable size for your system doesn’t need to be stressful. Use the tips above or reach out to a Battle Born expert ...

How many volts does an RV battery cable need?

Wires have a maximum voltage rating as well. However, since your RV battery cables will only be 12 volts, you do not need to worry about the voltage rating when determining which battery cable size to use.

How many amps can a 12 AWG cable carry?

For example, If you look at the chart below, you will see that 12 AWG, which has a diameter of 2.05 mm, can carry 20-25 amps up to 4 feet. 14 AWG, which has a diameter of 1.62 mm, can only carry 15-20 amps ...

What happens if you undersize battery cables?

If you undersize your battery cables, one issue that can occur is an excessive voltage drop that may prevent your electronics from working.

What is the cable in an RV?

Cables coming directly from your battery are the main artery of your RV electrical system. Since they come directly from the battery, they typically carry more current (measured in amps) than any other cables or wires in your RV. As a result, your battery cable size will need to be rated for the highest current and ultimately the thickest.

Why is it bad to have a small battery cable?

If wires are undersized, they can get so hot that the casing melts and can cause a fire. Fires are much more catastrophic than too much voltage drop and are the main risk in choosing too small of a battery cable.

What are the drawbacks of wire gauges?

There are three main drawbacks to choosing a battery cable wire gauge that is too big: cost, weight, and ease of use.