TM 9-2320-280-20-2
4-73. BATTERY CABLE MAINTENANCE
This task covers:
a. Cleaning and Inspection
f. Interconnecting Cable Removal
b. Ground Cables Disconnection
g. Interconnecting Cable Installation
c. Ground Cables Reconnection
h. Positive Cable Removal
d. Ground Cable Removal
i. Positive Cable Installation
e. Ground Cable Installation
INITIAL SETUP:
Tools
Equipment Condition
General mechanic’s tool kit:
Battery box cover removed (para. 10-35).
automotive (Appendix B, Item 1)
General Safety Instructions
Materials/Parts
Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves and do not
Two lockwashers (Appendix G, Item 115)
smoke when performing battery maintenance.
Sodium bicarbonate (Appendix C, Item 49)
Remove all jewelry.
Lubricating oil (Appendix C, Item 33)
When removing battery cables, disconnect
Silicone compound (Appendix C, Item 48)
ground cable first. Ensure all switches are in
Manual References
OFF position before disconnecting.
TM 9-2320-280-24P
WARNING
Battery acid (electrolyte) is extremely harmful. Always wear safety
goggles and rubber gloves, and do not smoke when performing battery
maintenance. Severe injury will result if acid contacts eyes or skin.
Remove all jewelry such as rings, dogtags, bracelets, etc. If jewelry or
disconnected battery ground cable contacts battery terminal, a direct
short can result, causing instant heating of tools, severe injury to
personnel, or damage to equipment.
Always disconnect both ground cables when performing battery
maintenance on the “A2” series vehicles. The “A2” series vehicles have
a 12 volt cable connected to the positive terminal, which keeps the
electrical system charged when only one ground cable is disconnected.
Failure to do this may cause injury to personnel, or damage to
equipment.
When removing battery cable clamps, disconnect both ground cables
first. Ensure all switches are in OFF position before disconnecting. Do
not allow tools to come in contact with vehicle when disconnecting cable
clamps. A direct short can result, causing instant heating of tools, tool
damage, battery damage, or battery explosion.
NOTE
Secure all cables to head side of mounting capscrews.
Use this procedure for disconnecting all battery cables.
The following procedure covers disconnection and connection of the
ground cable.
a. Cleaning and Inspection
1. Inspect cables (1), (2), and (11) for corrosion and cracks.
2. Remove defective cables (1), (2), and (11), or clean with wire brush and baking soda solution.
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