OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a return path for electrical current gen-
erated by the charging system for restoring the volt-
age potential of the battery. The female battery
terminal clamps on the ends of the battery cable
wires provide a strong and reliable connection of the
battery cable to the battery terminal posts. The ter-
minal pinch bolts allow the female terminal clamps
to be tightened around the male terminal posts on
the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals secured
to the ends of the battery cable wires opposite the
female battery terminal clamps provide secure and
reliable connection of the battery to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
The battery positive cable terminal clamp is die
cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an two-
holed eyelet terminal that connects the battery posi-
tive cable to the B(+) terminal studs of the Power
Distribution Center (PDC), and the other wire has an
eyelet terminal that connects the battery positive
cable to the B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter
motor solenoid. The battery negative cable terminal
clamp is also die cast onto the ends of two wires. One
wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the battery
negative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a
ground screw on the right side of the engine. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the right front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
BATTERY HOLD DOWNS
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware (Fig. 4) a molded
plastic lip that is integral to the outboard edge of the
battery tray and support unit, a molded plastic hold
down bracket, a single hex screw with a coned
washer and a U-nut.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, be
certain that the hold down hardware is properly
installed and that the fasteners are tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper hold down fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle or both. Refer to
Battery Hold Downs in the index of this service
manual for the location of the proper battery hold
down installation procedures, including the proper
hold down fastener tightness specifications.
OPERATION
The battery hold down hardware secures the bat-
tery to the battery tray and support unit in the
engine compartment. This hardware is designed to
prevent battery movement during vehicle operation.
Unrestrained battery movement during vehicle oper-
ation can result in damage to the vehicle, the battery
or both.
A U-nut is held in a molded formation on the
inboard side of the battery tray and support unit.
Molded ledges near the bottom of the battery case
sides are used to secure the battery in the battery
tray. The molded ledge on the outboard side of the
battery case slides under a molded lip formation on
the outboard side of the battery tray. A molded plas-
tic hold down bracket is placed over the ledge on the
inboard side of the battery case. A screw passes
through a hole in the center of the hold down bracket
and is threaded into the U-nut on the inboard side of
Fig. 4 Battery Hold Downs
1 – SCREW
2 – HOLD DOWN BRACKET
3 – BATTERY SUPPORT
4 – ACCUMULATOR
5 – NUT
6 – U-NUT
7 – STUD
8 – RADIATOR SUPPORT BRACKET
9 – U-NUT
10 – SCREW
11 – BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
12 – BATTERY AND THERMOGUARD
8A - 4
BATTERY
WJ
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)