It is recommended to check the whole length of each battery cable once in a while for any damage, burnt or cracked insulation or corrosion as it may cause starting problem and poor running of the engine. Look for such signs as cracks in the cable to terminal connections, unfastened wire strands or any sign of corrosion such as white fluffy deposits under the insulation which all require replacement. It is advisable to remove the negative cable from the negative terminal first, and connect it last to prevent shorting. The ground cables and a positive cable should be disconnected firstly from the negative terminal and finally from the positive terminal, remove the cables from the other end as well, the ground cables at the various mounting points, and the positive cables at the
Alternator and
Starter solenoid make a note of how they were connected for the right reconnection later. When swapping cables, look at the old cables to provide similar quantities as ground cables are normally black and of a smaller diameter than the positive cables which are often red in colour and wider. Remove dirt on the threads of the starter solenoid or ground connection by using a wire brush and then apply some corrosion inhibitor or Petroleum jelly on it then connect the new cable properly to the terminal. Make sure that the new cable does not elongate and once you fix it connect the negative terminal with the negative post.