Repair 7

How to Disconnect a Battery Terminal

Disconnecting a vehicle power or ground cable from a battery terminal allows you to safely work on your vehicle or exchange the battery. When you examine your battery, you will find either top-mounted or side-mounted terminals. Although the connectors look different, they both come off with similar tools. Top-mounted battery terminals require an extra step. In both cases, removing the risk of shock will increase your safety when working around the battery.

Instructions

Disconnect a Top-Mount Battery Terminal

1

Loosen the nut located on the side of the battery ground post (the negative post, marked by a minus symbol) by turning it counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench.

2

Move the loosened battery terminal clamp from side to side until it starts to move without resistance.

3

Slide the end of a flat-head screwdriver under the terminal clamp. Twist the handle of the screwdriver to push the clamp away from the battery.

4

Lift the ground terminal from the battery post. Remove the positive terminal clamp from the battery using the method described.

Disconnect a Side-Mount Battery Terminal

5

Turn the ground bolt (the bolt that secures the ground cable to the battery ground terminal, marked by a minus sign) protruding from the center of the ground terminal counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench.

6

Continue turning the wrench until the terminal tilts on its side.

7

Pull the side-mounted terminal from the battery with your hand. Disconnect the positive terminal cable bolt in the same manner.