How to Replace a Ground Strap
If you have determined that your ground strap is indeed broken, the obvious solution is to replace the cable. Fortunately, this is very easy if you follow these steps:
1. Identify your battery’s negative cable (ground strap).
In most cases, the negative cable (or battery post cover) is black and the positive cable (or battery post cover) is red. Additionally, the negative terminal has a negative sign (-) next to it and the positive terminal has a positive sign (+) next to it.
2. Disconnect the Negative Cable
Use a wrench (usually 8mm) to loosen the screw that holds the negative cable in place. Once you have loosened the screw, you will need to wiggle the connector and pull it up at the same time to disconnect it from the battery post.
3. Disconnect the Positive Cable (Optional)
The other end of the negative cable may not be accessible on most engines, so you will need to remove your car’s battery to access it. To do this, you will also need to remove the battery’s positive cable. The process is the same as above.
4. Remove the battery (optional)
If your battery is secured in place by a bracket, you can simply loosen the screws (usually two) that secure it there. Then carefully lift the battery out of the engine compartment and place it on the floor.
5. Remove the faulty ground strap
Follow the battery negative cable all the way to where it connects to the vehicle. Use a wrench to loosen the screw holding the ground strap in place and remove the faulty ground strap.
6. Install the new ground strap
Make sure the new ground wire has the same number of terminals as the old one and is long enough, then follow the steps above in reverse to connect the new ground strap and put everything back together.