car battery question

[Locke]

1994 mercury cougar
v8 4.6l engine

So, my battery dies two nights ago. Not that big of a problem. I remove the clamps, take out the battery, go get a new one, put that on in and discover that the clamp that goes aroud the positive charge node( is that what you call it) is broken. Instead of being loosened it split. How easy is it to remove the old clamp and put in a new one. How do you do it? Thanks.

[Ashton]

Well, you have two choices.... either buy a new cable or a replacement clamp. To install the new cable you just remove the nut that connects the old one to the starter solenoid and replace the cable. To replace the clamp you need a good pair of wire cutters, you just cut off the old clamp and strip about a inch of insulation off the wire, the replacment clamp simply 'clamps' to the wire by tightning two small bolts.

[Locke]

Cool, Thanks.

[j8ear]

Buy the cable and forget about a replacement clamp.

Clamps are meant as an emergency temporary spare replacement.

Any parts store should have a direct fit replacement or at least something that will work...and for under ten bucks.

It is likely one bolt and possibly a tie wrap or two to remove to change to the new cable. A very simple job.

-bear

[Locke]

My cable looks a though it is two wires that come together. One comes from the engine and the other comes from the power distributer box.

[j8ear]

Originally posted by Locke
My cable looks a though it is two wires that come together. One comes from the engine and the other comes from the power distributer box.

This is very possible, and your local auto parts store should still be able to find a very similar replacement...and still come in under ten bucks.

Sounds like yours might need two bolts loosened.

Still a very easy, very cheap job.

Pep Boys or Advanced will probably walk out to your car, determine exactly what you need, and walk you through replacing it.

good luck,

-bear