battery cable question

nordique14 · #1 04-18-2003, 07:05 PM

I did a search on replacing battery cables and found nothing (although I did find a lot on the alternator upgrade, which I will probably do when I replace my battery cables). Subaru wants $163 for a set of battery cables. 1stsubaruparts.com has them for $118 plus shipping. Seems kind of pricey. More importantly, are these the best battery cables I can get? Are all battery cables basically the same? I have an Optima red top battery and would hate not to get full benefit from it due buying a cheap auto store brand.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

#2 04-18-2003, 09:37 PM

Glad someone ought there besides me realizes the benefit of Optima brand batteries. Seems to me that if you were able to replace existing battery cables with comparable style/specification cales, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Most alternator/generator rebuild shops can custom build cables that will perform to factory specs. I would check into something like this before paying factory prices.

I have been using Optima Batteries for nearly five years and have no complaints. Gel type batteries tend to last longer, especially under repeated cranking attempts.

Please check with your local alternator/generator rebuild shop before forking out big bucks for factory wiring.

Mike

immortal_suby · #3 04-19-2003, 09:46 AM

I bought a red top a couple years ago too. Have you had one go bad yet?

Landshark · #4 04-19-2003, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rosevineboy
Most alternator/generator rebuild shops can custom build cables that will perform to factory specs.

Mike

you'll probably want to go better than 'factory specs'. for some reason, Subaru insists on skimping on the battery cables. people do the grounding mod on WRX's to eliminate some hesitation when driving. look at the wiring - its pretty wimpy.

nordique14 · #5 04-19-2003, 08:12 PM

Thanks for the good advice. I like the idea of going to an alternator rebuid shop for the cables. They should be able to determine what will be the best grade for the SVX (and at a lower cost no doubt).

I looked at my Chilton's Subaru manual to find out how to change the battery cables. The battery cable section has the following information:
1. Turn off the ignition
2. Disconnect the negative terminal.
3. Disconnect the positive terminal.

Hmmm. Like I didn't already know that. Not quite the detail I was hoping for. Does anyone out there know what steps 4+ would be? I have basic tools and some knowledge of a car's engine bay. I am in over my head?

Thanks,
Matt

Landshark · #6 04-20-2003, 07:11 AM

why are you replacing the cables? was there an engine fire? i'm sure there's a decent amout of work involved. some will be easy to replace but i'm thinking that one of them is probably buried pretty good.

nordique14 · #7 04-21-2003, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Landshark
why are you replacing the cables? was there an engine fire? i'm sure there's a decent amout of work involved. some will be easy to replace but i'm thinking that one of them is probably buried pretty good.

I'm having problems staring the car when the engine is warm. The dealer thought the starter was the problem, but it starts fine when it's cold. Turns out the battery cables are the problem.

I took a look and it should be easy to remove the cables except for one thing. What's the point of the wire leading from the + terminal to fuse box? How do I disconnect it?

Thanks,
Matt