How to Replace Battery Cables in a Toyota Tacoma

If your Toyota Tacoma won't start and you've checked the voltage in your battery, then there's a good chance you need new battery cables. Look for corrosion or wear on the cables to make the decision to replace them. If the grippers on the cable ends are touching, replace the cables without question.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

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

1. • 1

     Locate the top-post battery on the driver's side, just behind the headlight on the Toyota Tacoma. Use a step stool to get in a good position to replace the cables if it's too high to reach comfortably.

   • 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. Disconnect both battery cables, even if you're only replacing one of them.

   • 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 residual dust or cleaner 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 truck to ensure the connections are working on your Toyota Tacoma.

Tips & Warnings

• After attaching the new battery cables, you'll need to reset your clock and reprogram your radio presets, if your Tacoma came equipped with these options.

• When attaching the new cables, the cable clamps should fit properly without having to hammer them onto the posts, which can damage your battery.