Subaru Forester Positive Battery Cable Costs
The average cost for a Subaru Forester Positive Battery Cable Replacement is between $63 - $117. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
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What is a positive battery cable?
The positive battery cable is an essential component of a vehicle's electrical system. It connects the positive terminal of the car battery to the vehicle's electrical system, enabling the flow of electrical current necessary for starting the engine, running the lights, radio, and other electrical devices. Constructed typically from strands of copper wire covered with an insulating layer of rubber or plastic, this cable is designed to be durable and resistant to vibration and corrosion which are common in a vehicle's engine bay. Its primary function is to facilitate the transmission of voltage and prevent power loss between the battery and the vehicle’s starting and charging systems.
Symptoms of a faulty positive battery cable
A malfunctioning positive battery cable can lead to several electrical issues in a vehicle. Some common symptoms include:
- Intermittent starting: The vehicle may experience difficulties starting or may require several attempts to crank the engine.
- Loss of power: Fluctuations in power delivery might be evident, such as dimming headlights or electrical accessories malfunctioning.
- Visible corrosion: Corrosion at the terminal connection can often be seen as a white, ashy substance which may lead to poor connectivity.
- Electrical system issues: Faulty connections may cause the battery light to come on the dashboard, signifying electrical charging problems.
- Heat or burning smell: A loose connection might cause overheating which, if significant, may emit a burning smell from around the battery area.
How urgent is positive battery cable replacement?
Replacing a faulty positive battery cable is relatively urgent as this component is crucial for the proper starting and functionality of the vehicle. A compromised positive battery cable can lead to unexpected vehicle stalls or an inability to start the engine, potentially leaving you stranded. Furthermore, faulty cables can lead to further electrical damage or even pose a fire risk due to overheating at poorly insulated terminals. Therefore, addressing issues with the positive battery cable promptly ensures vehicle reliability and safety.
How much does positive battery cable replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a positive battery cable can vary based on the make and model of the vehicle and the labor rates at the repair facility. Typically, the replacement cost ranges from $50 to $150. This includes the price of the new cable, which can be around $20 to $60, and labor costs which might range from $30 to $90 depending on the complexity of the installation and regional labor rates. It's advisable to get a few quotes from reputable repair shops to ensure a fair price.
5 FAQs about positive battery cables
- How often should a positive battery cable be replaced?
There is no specific mileage or time interval for replacing the positive battery cable. Replacement is generally necessary when symptoms of failure are evident, or during a major electrical system overhaul. - Can I drive with a faulty positive battery cable?
Driving with a faulty battery cable is not recommended as it can lead to unpredictable vehicle operation, including engine stalls or failure to start, and potential damage to the electrical system. - What causes positive battery cables to fail?
Common causes include corrosion due to exposure to battery acid, excessive vibrations leading to wear and tear, and poor installation practices which can cause premature wear. - How can I tell if my battery cable is the issue and not the battery itself?
If your vehicle fails to start consistently despite having a charged battery, or if you notice visible corrosion or fraying on the cable, the cable may be at fault. Testing with a voltmeter can help determine if there's a voltage drop across the cable, indicating a problem. - Is replacing a battery cable a DIY task?
If you have the appropriate tools and experience, you may attempt replacing the battery cable yourself. However, professional assistance is recommended to ensure correct installation and to avoid damaging sensitive electrical components.
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2024 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $9.00Labor: $12.00{ "partPrice": 9, "laborPrice": 12, "alldata_id": 66154, "alldata_vehicle_id": 66154, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "part": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "price": "251.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SJ000" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2024, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2023 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $14.00Labor: $6.00{ "partPrice": 14, "laborPrice": 6, "alldata_id": 64759, "alldata_vehicle_id": 64759, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "part": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "price": "251.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SJ000" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2023, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2022 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $30.00Labor: $71.00{ "partPrice": 30, "laborPrice": 71, "alldata_id": 62927, "alldata_vehicle_id": 62927, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "part": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "price": "251.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SJ000" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2022, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2021 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $22.00Labor: $93.00{ "partPrice": 22, "laborPrice": 93, "alldata_id": 61924, "alldata_vehicle_id": 61924, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "part": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "price": "251.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SJ000" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2021, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2020 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $38.00Labor: $54.00{ "partPrice": 38, "laborPrice": 54, "alldata_id": 60801, "alldata_vehicle_id": 60801, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "part": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "price": "251.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SJ000" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2020, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2019 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $83.00Labor: $57.00{ "partPrice": 83, "laborPrice": 57, "alldata_id": 59208, "alldata_vehicle_id": 59208, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "part": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "price": "251.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SJ000" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2019, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2018 Subaru Forester F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $4.00Labor: $89.00{ "partPrice": 4, "laborPrice": 89, "alldata_id": 57684, "alldata_vehicle_id": 57684, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "112.32", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG030" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2018, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo" }2018 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $45.00Labor: $73.00{ "partPrice": 45, "laborPrice": 73, "alldata_id": 57685, "alldata_vehicle_id": 57685, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "110.65", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG140" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "112.32", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG030" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2018, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2017 Subaru Forester F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $93.00Labor: $66.00{ "partPrice": 93, "laborPrice": 66, "alldata_id": 56950, "alldata_vehicle_id": 56950, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "112.32", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG030" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2017, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo" }2017 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $39.00Labor: $28.00{ "partPrice": 39, "laborPrice": 28, "alldata_id": 56951, "alldata_vehicle_id": 56951, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "110.65", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG140" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "112.32", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG030" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2017, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2016 Subaru Forester F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $38.00Labor: $83.00{ "partPrice": 38, "laborPrice": 83, "alldata_id": 55489, "alldata_vehicle_id": 55489, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "116.97", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG000" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2016, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo" }2016 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $24.00Labor: $70.00{ "partPrice": 24, "laborPrice": 70, "alldata_id": 55490, "alldata_vehicle_id": 55490, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "116.97", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG000" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2016, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2015 Subaru Forester F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $91.00Labor: $40.00{ "partPrice": 91, "laborPrice": 40, "alldata_id": 54387, "alldata_vehicle_id": 54387, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "116.97", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG000" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2015, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo" }2015 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $23.00Labor: $9.00{ "partPrice": 23, "laborPrice": 9, "alldata_id": 54388, "alldata_vehicle_id": 54388, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "116.97", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG000" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2015, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }2014 Subaru Forester F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $59.00Labor: $24.00{ "partPrice": 59, "laborPrice": 24, "alldata_id": 53088, "alldata_vehicle_id": 53088, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "116.97", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG000" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2014, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.0L DOHC Turbo" }2014 Subaru Forester F4-2.5L DOHC - Positive Battery Cable Costs
Parts: $22.00Labor: $2.00{ "partPrice": 22, "laborPrice": 2, "alldata_id": 53089, "alldata_vehicle_id": 53089, "title": "Positive Battery Cable", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable", "part": [ { "name": "Auto Trans", "price": "120.82", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG100" }, { "name": "Manual Trans", "price": "116.97", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "81601SG000" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Battery", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Positive Cable, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2014, "make": "Subaru", "model": "Forester", "engine": "F4-2.5L DOHC" }