1996 BMW 318i Battery Cable Battery Terminal End Service Cost

Batteries are storage units for electricity, and battery cables transmit that electricity to components that require battery power to operate. The link that ties these two vital components together is known as a battery terminal. As the term 'terminal' implies, battery terminals are located on the ends of the battery cables. They are crimped onto the thick cables, and attach with a bolt directly onto the battery posts. The battery terminals are snugly fit onto the battery post, or bolted into the side of the battery to provide a clean, secure attachment and an excellent electrical connection.

Made of some sort of pliable metal, the battery terminals transmit electrical power from the battery to the battery cables. As stated above, they are tightened to provide a secure connection, and the metal used will be sufficient for conducting the high amperage of the battery for charging and discharging energy.

A battery terminal failure is typically indicated by a complete loss of electrical power to the vehicle, engine stalling, intermittent function of all electrical components, or very low voltage from a charged battery. Often times the terminals will look powdered and corroded, or there may be a crack on the loop that attaches to the battery. If the terminal is separated from the battery cables or loose, that is also an indication there is a problem with the terminal or battery cable.

If the vehicle operates normally, but the battery cables look corroded, the battery terminals, battery, and battery posts should be cleaned and inspected. The likelihood of failure increases the longer the battery cables are corroded, so cleaning should be performed as early as possible. If the vehicle is unable to start, run, or operate electrical functions due to a broken or corroded battery terminal, the terminal will need to be cleaned or replaced immediately to restore functionality.