Battery Terminal Connectors Replacement Cost
The Average Cost for Replacement Battery Terminal Connectors Is Between $26 and $33 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Cost at the Mechanic: $32 to $48
Parts: $6 to $15
Labor: $26 to $33
Having your battery terminal connectors replaced at a mechanic’s shop should take less than an hour. The price for parts and labor might increase if the technician determines you need to replace the entire battery cable rather than just the connector. Without a proper connection from your battery to the rest of your vehicle, your car might not run well, if at all. You should have this repair performed as needed when your battery terminal connectors go bad.
Cost to DIY: $6 to $15
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Parts Needed:
- New battery cable terminals
- Diagonal cutters
- Pliers
- Ratchet set
- Wrench set
- Wire brush
- Gloves
- Anti-corrosion spray
- Heat-shrink tubing
If you know your way around a garage, this is a job you confidently take on yourself. However, if you don’t already have the tools required for the job, you will likely spend more on acquiring those tools than you would pay a mechanic to complete the repair for you.
If you do decide to take on this DIY job, be sure to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and/or repair guide before you start taking apart your battery cables. Some battery terminal connectors vary by model, so be sure to choose ones that fit your vehicle. You should also be confident that you can perform this job safely and securely, as poorly installed components can lead to electrical danger.
What Is a Battery Terminal Connector?
Battery terminal connectors are the metal clamps on the ends of your battery cables. These connectors power your vehicle’s starting and charging systems, as well as its computer. Vehicle battery systems have two terminal connectors: one for the negative battery terminal and one for the positive. Without healthy battery terminal connectors, your engine will have a difficult time starting or powering its electrical components.
What Does a Battery Terminal Connector Replacement Include?
If you’re only having the battery terminal connectors replaced, this job should take an hour or less at a mechanic’s shop. However, if the mechanic finds that the battery’s terminals have corroded or that the entire battery cable needs replacing, your visit might take longer. If the battery terminals themselves have corroded, you might have to replace those as well or get the battery replaced entirely.
Have your mechanic inspect your battery terminals routinely. If you conduct most of your own vehicle maintenance, you should also be inspecting and maintaining your battery terminals to help fight corrosion.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Battery Terminal Connector?
A bad battery terminal can cause corrosion on terminal connectors. This can damage them to the point where even if you replace the bad battery, you won’t be able to use the old terminal connectors on a new battery.
Another symptom of a bad battery terminal is that it won’t clamp down on the battery posts tightly enough to ensure a good electrical connection. If you don’t replace your battery terminals when they go bad, your vehicle might not get the power it needs to start. If the bad connectors are supplying your vehicle with just enough power to operate, you could be stressing your charging system. When your terminal connectors begin their downward spiral, you might find that the electrical systems in your vehicle have more difficulty operating correctly. Eventually, those systems won’t work at all due to the battery not being able to send power to them.
How Often to Replace Your Battery Terminal Connector
Battery terminal connectors can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles on average. There is no standard recommended interval at which you should change your battery terminal connectors.
However, you should watch for corrosion or loose-fitting connectors at all times. Make a habit of opening the hood of your vehicle once every couple of months to inspect your terminals. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can keep corrosion from setting in on your battery and terminal connectors. However, if your terminal connectors are already corroded, you should have them replaced. Check your battery cables as well. If they show any signs of damage, have them replaced.
Common Symptoms You Need to Replace Your Battery Terminal Connector
Be on the lookout for the symptoms below to determine whether your battery terminal connectors need to be replaced:
- Your vehicle won’t start
- Your engine cranks slowly
- You can hear a fast clicking sound when you try to start your engine
- You can see corrosion on your terminals
- A battery warning light on your instrument cluster turns on
- Your cabin’s lighting is going dim
- Your vehicle shows symptoms of a bad battery, but the battery is good
Bad car batteries often display many of these symptoms, so it’s a good idea to have your battery tested before you replace your terminal connectors. However, if the terminal connectors have obvious corrosion or other damage, it’s a good idea to replace them regardless of your battery’s health or life span.
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with battery terminal connector replacements:
- Battery replacement
- Battery cable replacement
Never Miss Important Maintenance Again with FIXD
Get the FIXD Sensor and free app today for a custom maintenance schedule based on your make, model, and mileage. FIXD sends automated maintenance alerts right to your phone so you never forget oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and more. It even tracks tire, wiper, and battery life to keep your car running smoothly. Get FIXD today and take the stress out of car care. It’s that simple.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
