An automotive battery supplies the power needed to start your vehicle and run accessories. The quality of the connection between the battery and your vehicle determines the amount of voltage transferred from the battery. Battery terminal clamps hold the vehicle power cables to the vehicle. Corrosion weakens the clamps. When this happens, the clamps crack. This weakens the connection between the clamp and the battery post, resulting in a poor connection. Replacing the broken battery terminal clamp(s) will ensure your vehicle runs properly.
Turn the bolt located at the front of the battery terminal clamp connecting the black (ground) cable to the battery counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. Wedge the tip of a flathead screwdriver between the bottom of the clamp and the top of the battery. Twist the handle of the screwdriver gently clockwise to slide the battery terminal up the battery post. Pull the clamp from the post by hand. Repeat the procedure to remove the red (positive) cable from the battery.
Place the jaws of a pair of cable clamps on the cable, directly under the connection between the damaged clamp and battery cable. Pull the handles of the cable cutter together to cut the clamp from the cable.
Score the protective sheathing of the cable 5/8 inch down from the cut end with a utility knife. Pull the sheathing above the score line from the battery cable with a pair of pliers.
Turn the two nuts located at the back of the replacement clamps counterclockwise to open the back of the clamp. Slide the bare end of the battery cable into the back of the clamp.
Match a socket from a socket set with the nuts located at the rear of the clamp. Attach the socket to a 3/8-inch ratchet handle. Tighten each nut equally to lock the battery cable to the back of the clamp.
Clean the battery post with a battery post cleaner. Slide the clamp onto the cleaned battery post.
Tighten the forward bolt of the battery terminal clamp with an adjustable wrench.
