Remove the Old Starter Rope
- After you remove the rewind unit, flip it over and look inside to find the knotted end of the broken rope.
- Grab it with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it out. You'll thread the new replacement starter rope through this hole.
Full Answer
How to replace a starter at AutoZone?
How to Replace a Starter 1. Disconnect the battery. You only need to remove the negative cable. This is a good move any time you’re working on... 2. Remove the wiring and positive battery cable from the starter solenoid. 3. Remove the starter retaining bolts. Remove the starter. NOTE: AutoZone will ...
How do you replace the Starter Cable on a Ford Ranger?
Attach the positive cable to the starter. Use the same bolt you removed to disconnect the old cable to attach the new one in its place. If the bolt is rusted, you may want to use a steel wire brush to remove the rust from the bolt and ensure a proper connection. If it is too rusted, you may need to replace it.
How do you replace the battery cables in a car?
If your battery is in the trunk, the positive cable will attach to another connector near the body of the car. Simply disconnect it from there. Remove the battery. Some cars will not require the removal of the battery while replacing battery cables, but even if it is not necessary, it may make the process easier.
How do you hook up a new battery cable?
Installing New Battery Cables Prepare the new cables for installation. Attach the positive cable to the starter. Attach the negative cable to the body or block. Place the battery back in the car. Connect the positive battery cable to the battery. Connect the negative cable. Start the car.

Can I replace my own battery cables?
In most cases, replacing battery cables is a very simple procedure that can usually be carried out with only a few basic hand tools.
How do you replace 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.
How do I hook up my starter cables?
With the ignition turned off and the transmission in "park" -- and with all due care -- connect one end of the red/positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery. Touch the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the starter motor. The starter should spin/crank the engine.
Can I replace a starter myself?
You can buy a new starter, which is rather expensive, or you can buy a rebuilt starter, which is just as good as a new one [source: Allen]. If the problem is really your starter, save yourself a trip to the mechanic and replace it yourself.
What battery cable goes to the starter?
There are two cables—a positive and a negative—attached to the battery. 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 long does it take to replace battery cables?
Replace your car's badly corroded battery cable terminals with new ones in about an hour. New terminals cost less than $20.
How many wires go to a starter?
Many DIYers wonder: What wires go to the starter solenoid? Typically, a starter-mounted solenoid has three terminals with three connections: The “B” or “battery” terminal: The terminal that connects the solenoid directly to the positive battery cable.
What happens if you wire a starter wrong?
Incorrectly wiring a starter will have a huge impact on how well it performs. “Bigger displacement requires you to rethink things, just like with fuel delivery, valvetrain parts, and so on. The starter got bigger and the output grew, so the wire must get bigger too.
What are the two wires on a starter?
The negative (ground) cable connects the negative "-" battery terminal to the engine cylinder block, or transmission, close to the starter. The positive cable connects the positive "+" battery terminal to the starter solenoid.
How does a car act when the starter is going out?
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all, or it may announce its impending death with whirring and grinding noise—so listen up!
How long does it take a mechanic to replace a starter?
around 2 to 4 hoursExactly how long it takes to replace a starter will depend on where it is in your engine, but it will generally take around 2 to 4 hours. Some starters are more accessible in some engines than in others. A mechanic may have to dig around and remove certain parts to get to that starter.
How many hours does it take to replace a starter?
How long does it take to replace a starter motor? You can expect its replacement to take between 2 and 4 hours. Not all starter motors are easy to get to, which can add time to the process and further cost to your final bill.
How do you replace a positive terminal?
1:253:23How to replace Car Battery Terminals - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe terminals themselves are very simple all you have to do is remove the two bolts on the front.MoreThe terminals themselves are very simple all you have to do is remove the two bolts on the front. And then the little plate comes right off set your wire inside of that cavity.
How much does it cost to replace battery cables?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for battery cable replacement is between $305 and $334. Labor costs are estimated between $70 and $89 while parts are priced between $235 and $246. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
How do you replace battery terminal connectors?
1:426:49How To Replace Battery Terminals - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLead. All right now that we got the old cable and removed we'll go ahead and strip the end of theMoreLead. All right now that we got the old cable and removed we'll go ahead and strip the end of the wire the wire strippers. Making sure that not to strip too much off you want to make sure it's just
How do you replace the ground wire on a car battery?
How to Replace a Negative Battery CableIdentify the negative battery cable (ground strap) ... Disconnect the negative cable. ... Disconnect the positive cable (optional) ... Remove the battery (optional) ... Remove bad ground strap. ... Install new ground strap.More items...•
How to replace a rusted starter cable?
Use the same bolt you removed to disconnect the old cable to attach the new one in its place. If the bolt is rusted, you may want to use a steel wire brush to remove the rust from the bolt and ensure a proper connection. If it is too rusted, you may need to replace it.
How to install a new cable?
Prepare the new cables for installation. If there were plastic protective boxes on the old cable’s ends, remove them from the old cables and place them on the new ones. You will also need to ensure that there is no paint or dirt stuck on the new cable ends before you install them.
What is the difference between a positive and negative cable?
The battery will have labels marked with a + and a – sign. The plus is the positive cable terminal , the – is the negative.
How to connect a negative cable to a block?
Attach the negative cable to the body or block. Locate the hole the old negative cable was attached to and use the same bolt to connect the new cable. Once again, ensure the bolt is in good enough condition to hold the cable in place and allow electricity to pass through the cable.
What is battery cable?
Battery cables carry electrical current from your car’s battery to the starter and then into the car’s electrical system. This allows your car to run electrical devices like your radio with the car off, and provides your car’s starter with the energy it needs to get your engine to turn over. Compromised battery cables can reduce ...
How to tell if battery is no longer connected to car?
Disconnect the negative cable. The negative cable, which is also called the ground cable, should be the first you disconnect. Once you disconnect this cable, the car will no longer have a completed electrical circuit, and you may notice any dashboard, interior or engine bay lights that were on will instantly shut off. This indicates that the battery is no longer connected to the car in a manner that can power it.
What to do if a bolt is seized?
If the bolt is seized or will not turn, try spraying some WD-40 on it. It will eat away some of the rust and oxidization and allow the bolt to turn more freely. Do not allow the negative cable to come into contact with the positive terminal at any time. ...
Where is the red meter on a starter?
Connect the red meter lead to the cable’s positive terminal at the battery and the black meter lead to the cable’s other end at the starter’s battery terminal.
How to check if battery cables are faulty?
If you suspect that one (or both) of your car’s battery cables may be faulty, the first step in proving (or disproving) this theory is to perform a visual inspection. Check the cables for obvious signs of damage, such as breakage or excessive corrosion. Replace the cables as necessary if any problems are found.
What is the difference between a positive and negative battery cable?
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. Damaged or corroded battery cables can cause the engine to crank sluggishly or refuse to crank/start.
Why are battery cables important?
Battery cables are essential because they connect the battery to the vehicle. Even though the battery cables are made from thick-gauge copper wire, they can eventually become damaged or corroded to the point of requiring replacement. The good news is, If you have the knowledge and proper tools, battery cable replacement is usually a job ...
What is a battery cable?
Made from thick-gauge copper wire, battery cables provide the electrical connections between the battery and the vehicle. There are two cables—a positive and a negative—attached to the battery. The positive cable connects the battery to the starter motor and the car’s electrical system, while the negative cable connects ...
Why compare battery cables to old battery cables?
Compare the new battery cables to the old battery cables to ensure that both are the same design.
How many volts should a cable be?
Have an assistant turn the ignition key to the “START” position and note the reading on the meter. Typically, the reading should be less than 0.2 volts. Anything more usually indicates the cable has a high resistance condition and should be replaced.
