Broken battery terminal

[raptoranderson]

So my Eclipse starts and runs! But only got a few yards before the engine died out I suspect it is because the battery is shot to hell because the previous owner has so many auxiliaries hooked-up to the terminals. Upon closer inspection the positive battery terminal is cracked and broken and so it will need replacing. The cable for the positive battery terminal runs all the way behind the engine and disappears near the intake manifold so I suspect there is no chance of removing it. What is the best way to repair a battery terminal? To cut the wire and then crimp on a new terminal? To remove the positive battery cable and replace the whole thing?

And what auxiliaries should be connected to the positive terminal. There is one wire coming off the battery terminal (one large wire which goes in and then a small red wire which comes out of the terminal connector) that has been crimped so that it powers the radiator fans and then there are two eyehole crimp connectors that seem to be running to the fuse box to power it that are connected by the tightening bolt on the battery terminal connector. Is this setup stock and will it affect the battery's performance and lifespan?

 

[91-GS]

If there is enough slack in the wire you can just cut off the old one and install a new one. Otherwise replace the whole cable. Do inspect the cable first though, might have to replace it anyway if it is damaged.

 

[raptoranderson]

I know you just buy a new connector and then crimp it on. Is it anything more complicated than that? And the terminal is literally split and cracked in two haha I'll post some pictures when it's not midnight and also some pictures of the bizarre auxiliary cords there are hooked up to the battery.

 

[ThunderChild]

i would get a new cable and terminal personally. the large gauge positive cable goes from the batt. to the starter motor.

if you want to replace the whole thing, unhook from the batt. first, then unhook from the starter. you might have to undo some wire looming, tape and/or zip ties. you can get a new cable from a parts store, they come in various lengths, or you can get cable of your choice and and aftermarket terminal with multiple wire inputs (kicker, stinger and other car audio companies make these). if you go that route, youll have to get a wire lug to fit the starter end of your wire.

 

[raptoranderson]

What if i went to a wrecker's and took the battery cable off an old Eclipse?

 

[ThunderChild]

you could. but why? the cables are most likely corroded and a new cable would prevent future issues.

 

[raptoranderson]

So my best bet would be to just remove the positive battery terminal and the cable and then use that as a source of reference to find a replacement cable?