How to Connect a Top Post Cable to a Side Post Battery
by Perry Kong
Installing a side mount battery into a vehicle designed for top post batteries can be done with a simple and economical conversion. Pairs of threaded side post terminal adapters are sold at your local auto parts store or the automotive section of some hardware and department stores.
Step 1
Ensure that the ignition and anything electrical is turned off.
Step 2
Wear safety goggles/shield and gloves . Follow any manufacturer labels and precautions on batteries and in your owner's manual.
Step 3
Disconnect the black negative (-) ground cable. Always disconnect the negative first.
Step 4
Disconnect the red positive (+) power cable. Make sure the cables are tucked out of the way during the next step.
Step 5
Install the terminal adapters and tighten them in position. They will look like the top posts with threads on the ends. One will be marked negative (-), the other positive (+). Make sure they are matched to the proper side terminals.
Step 6
Reconnect the red positive (+) power cable. Always reconnect red (+) first.
Step 7
Reconnect the black negative (-) ground. Always reconnect black (-) last.
Step 8
Double check for tightness, proper polarity and any tools lying around before starting the vehicle.
References
Tips
- Make sure the cables are long enough to be installed on the replacement battery before attempting a conversion.
- While the cables are removed, this is a good time to inspect and clean the contacts with a wire brush.
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Gloves
- Socket set or wrenches
- Side terminal adapters
Warnings
- Remove jewelery from your hands or hanging from your neck.
- Do not make contact between negative and positive cables with wrenches or any other metal objects.
Writer Bio
Perry Kong has been a reporter and photojournalist since 2006. He is published through Sun Media and "Northern News" in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, specializing in food and automotive photography. Kong holds a diploma in graphic design from Northern College, where he also teaches photography and Photoshop.
