What is other cable on neg battery terminal?

[Tlager31]

I was replacing the battery for the first time on my 2013 and noticed that there was a lot of corrosion around the negative battery terminal. Even worse, there is a second cable attached which has been practically worn through probably by rubbing on the battery cover. The wire itself is too thin to actually be the main ground. It is barely hanging by a thread. What is this cable for? Is it hard to fix or replace?

thanks.

 

[MikeC725]

I hope your battery didn't look like this...........

Check your batteries now, before it starts to get cold!

Sorry, I'm not sure what the wire is for. Mine is a 14, so it may be different.

 

[EnderWiggin]

Mine was the Positive terminal last March, the fuse box was half eaten, caused a by a crack near the terminal by the battery causing acid to leak. I've never seen corrosion that bad.

 

[MikeC725]

I've never seen corrosion that bad.

Funny thing is (well, now it's funny), I had it into the dealer for an oil change and 1 million point inspection the week before the battery died. I guess they needed a 1,000,001 point inspection. Battery was still under warranty.

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[MelsRegal]

if there is sufficient play in the cable cut off the corroded end and solder a new connector on. It is a ground for some other component that needed a direct ground to the battery.

 

[dbruce]

For the soldering.....check the following. Fusion Solder Battery Terminal Clamps & Lugs : TheElectricalDepot.com!, Electrical Connectors and Much More!

 

[Tlager31]

Mike, my battery was just like the one in the picture if not worse. I have never had a battery that was as bad.

In doing a little research, I believe the extra cable is a shortcut for the electronics to get a less resistance ground. Not sure, but that is reasonable since it is such as thin wire.

 

[nizerims]

One wire goes directly to the body control module, the other goes to the frame/engine.

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[chartny]

If your battery does not look like this, you need some help. Pic of 7 year old Lucerne. Used car as purchased.
-chart-

 

[dbruce]

Battery grease will avoid the corrosion issue. Wife killed battery via light on a Mazda and corrosion was on terminal. I know grease was used....so brushed off....jumped car. Is what it is.....life goes on.