Battery cable for 98 Escort

[mrcrazyb]

I just recently had to replace the battery and alternator in my car for the first time I have had it (it still had the original battery). When we changed the battery, we had to break the bolt that holds the battery in place because it was completely rusted. Not only was the bolt completely rusted, the positive battery terminal was also rusted. When we changed the battery we did clean the battery terminal but it only worked for a little bit. So now with the battery moving around, the positive battery terminal doesn't want to stay connected to the battery and the terminal was rusted bad enough to where I can't tighten the terminal to the battery. Does anybody know how much it would cost to replace the terminal/battery cable since it supposedly is a proprietary Ford part?

[mlw35405]

Hey, I had the same problem on my escort with those dinky terminals. Go to any parts store and buy two universal top-post terminals (under 6 bucks). Just cut the terminal off the old cables, strip the wire back, and stick it in the new ones. The little wires on the negative terminal can be fastened to one of the bolts on the new terminal. And get the big lead terminals, they're much better than the little metal ones. Hope this helps!

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by mrcrazyb

I just recently had to replace the battery and alternator in my car for the first time I have had it (it still had the original battery). When we changed the battery, we had to break the bolt that holds the battery in place because it was completely rusted. Not only was the bolt completely rusted, the positive battery terminal was also rusted. When we changed the battery we did clean the battery terminal but it only worked for a little bit. So now with the battery moving around, the positive battery terminal doesn't want to stay connected to the battery and the terminal was rusted bad enough to where I can't tighten the terminal to the battery. Does anybody know how much it would cost to replace the terminal/battery cable since it supposedly is a proprietary Ford part?

yes take this other posters advice a replacement by ford is outrageous in price. Get the cheepos protect and clean them and you'll be good to go as long as you have good contact. ( i even have used flattend copper tubing once)