GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Battery Terminal Check

Battery Terminal Check

Step

Action

Yes

No

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines:

   • Always shield your eyes.
   • Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
   • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
   • Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.
      - Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
      - Get medical help.

 

1

    Notice:  Always turn the ignition OFF when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

  1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  2. Attempt to rotate the negative battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure.

Does the negative connector rotate?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the negative battery terminal bolt.

Is the torque above 10 N·m (7 lb ft)?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Is the cable disconnected?

Go to Step 5

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4

Ensure the negative battery cable is disconnected.

Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed:

    • The cable bolt is too long or misformed at the end.
    • There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal.
    • Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 5

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5

Rotate the positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure.

Does the positive connector rotate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Use a torque wrench in order to verify the torque to loosen the positive battery terminal bolt.

Is the torque above 10 N·m (7 lb ft)?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Disconnect the positive battery cable.

Is the cable disconnected?

Go to Step 9

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8

Ensure the positive battery cable is disconnected.

Inspect for the following conditions and repair as needed:

    • The cable bolt is too long or misformed at the end.
    • There is foreign material present inside the nut in the battery terminal.
    • Damage to the battery terminal face or cable connector ring.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 9

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9
  1. Clean and wire brush the lead face of both battery terminals and the metal contact rings in both cable connectors.
  2. Remove the bolts from the cable connectors in order to provide access to the connector rings as needed.
  3. If either the battery terminals or the cable rings are excessively damaged or corroded, replace as needed.

Are the metal connecting parts clean and in good condition?

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Connect the positive battery cable to the battery positive terminal.

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the cable bolt.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the cable bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

Is the cable bolt properly tightened?

Go to Step 11

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11
  1. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery negative terminal.
  2. Tighten the cable bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

Is the cable bolt properly tightened?

Battery Terminals OK

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