How can we help?
Battery Cable Replacement
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What does a battery cable do?
The battery cables are used to connect the battery terminals to the electrical distribution point (+ve) and to the earthing point (-ve) on the vehicle's chassis.
How does a battery cable work and what are the components?
Battery cables are thick, high capacity cables with a battery clamp on one end and a terminal on the other. The negative will be going to a fixed point on the vehicle chassis in close proximity to the battery. The positive will more often than not, go directly to the starter motor or through a power distribution block.
As these cables are of high capacity and therefore of a large diameter, its not always easy to successfully put new terminals onto them, so they are replaced as a whole instead.
Typical symptoms that require a battery cable to be replaced.
- When the car does not start.
- When none of the electrical equipment works
- When you notice the cable is corroded or damaged.
What happens during a battery cable replacement?
Changing battery cables is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Checks the electrical and battery system.
- If necessary, replace the cable.
- Advise if other components need to be replaced.
- Test the starter motor.
- Test the alternator voltage output.
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your battery cable to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the battery cable
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Battery cable to engine earth replacement
Battery cable to body earth replacement
Battery cable to starter/solenoid replacement
Associated repairs
Battery replacement (vehicles with stop/start system)
Battery replacement (vehicles without stop/start system)
How much does it cost to have a battery cable replaced?
The cost of a battery cable replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the battery cable doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.