How to Replace Battery Cables in a Toyota Corolla

Battery cables eventually wear out on the Toyota Corolla. Check them when you perform a routine inspection. Look for corrosion on the cable ends and wear on the rubber coating over the wires. If the teeth of the cables are touching, that's another sign they need replacing. Set the emergency brake and turn off the car before replacing the battery cables.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Box wrench or cable clamp pliers
• Wire brush or cable cleaner
• Clean cloth
• Battery cables

1. • 1

     Find the top-post battery on the driver's side just behind the headlight on the Toyota Corolla.

   • 2

     Loosen the bolt on the black negative battery cable first with a box wrench or cable clamp pliers. Wriggle the cable end off the post. Repeat the process on the red positive cable. Take off both cables from the battery, even if you're replacing only one.

   • 3

     Follow the negative cable to where it's grounded on the front of the frame beside the headlight assembly. Remove the end of the cable with the wrench. Track the positive cable to its connection on the starter solenoid on the driver's side of the engine and remove it with the wrench.

   • 4

     Clean the posts with a small wire brush or cable cleaner. Wipe off any residual dust with a clean, dry cloth.

   • 5

     Attach the new positive cable first, reversing the process in Step 3. Reattach the negative cable last and start the car to ensure the connections are working on your Toyota Corolla.

Tips & Warnings

• After attaching the new battery cables, you'll need to reset your clock and reprogram your radio presets, if you have these options in your Toyota Corolla.

• Wear gloves when working on your cables to protect them from the acid in the battery. If you decide not to wear gloves, always wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you're finished.