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My wife's 2013 RX350 has a small wire that attaches to the positive battery cable at the post. The connection on that wire looks pretty weak. I do not know what it powers, nor if it can be replaced separately, without replacing the entire cable. Any answers will be appreciated.
I'm sorry, I thought this would be a wire on every RX350. The pic shows a flat tab that is on top of the cable, and held in place by a bolt. It simply connects to the head of the battery cable, at the positive post. When it is disconnected, WITH the battery cable still solidly on the post, there are no lights, can't take the car out of park, no dashboard illumination, no electrical components operate at all. But, as soon as you touch that metal tab to the post, everything lights up, the car starts, and all is good. I want to replace the positive cable, and would like to know what that metal tab on a small wire does to make it so critical to the operation of the car.
There are no aftermarket items on the car. It is bone stock, 61K miles.
My bad ... the text description lead me to believe it is an after market accessory connection.
The connection seems pretty solid ... the flat of the eye [washer like surface] is providing the connection. The crimp [where the wire connects to the eye] looks good.
The attached photo has reflection [my assumption, yet again] but if the white stuff is powdery, then the whole terminal needs to be removed and wire-brushed and reconnected to the battery terminal. Use appropriate grease to prevent oxidization. In a pinch, you can clean+dry the clamps and then connect + tighten the post. Then apply a thin layer of grease on all exposed surface.
Thank you, Salim, for the info. The post and cable are clean, but the bolt for the cable is corroded, as is part of the secondary wire.
My question was really to find out just what the secondary wire, with the flat connection, is for. With it removed, the vehicle is 100% dead, even with the battery cable connected.
Just ask the Lexus parts to get you a new bolt + nut.
My guess [I really need to look at th circuit diagram] ... one cable goes to the starter and the other to the main fuse box. The thinner is for the main fuse box which then supplies all 12v for the vehicle.
I am sorry, that I suggested to take the small cable out. Although no harm done, but my advice would have been apt if the cable was for an after market accessory.
Someone swapped the Lexus terminal with a cheap generic, replace it with original. You can easily clean the terminal with baking soda and water. Follow it up with a Scotch-Brite pad and it will look like new. While you're at it use the same Scotch-Brite pad to clean the battery post.
Just ask the Lexus parts to get you a new bolt + nut.
My guess [I really need to look at th circuit diagram] ... one cable goes to the starter and the other to the main fuse box. The thinner is for the main fuse box which then supplies all 12v for the vehicle.
I am sorry, that I suggested to take the small cable out. Although no harm done, but my advice would have been apt if the cable was for an after market accessory.
Salim
I did some research, and you are correct. I cleaned it up, and we are good to go. Thanks for your help.
Someone swapped the Lexus terminal with a cheap generic, replace it with original. You can easily clean the terminal with baking soda and water. Follow it up with a Scotch-Brite pad and it will look like new. While you're at it use the same Scotch-Brite pad to clean the battery post.
I think you are right about the swap. I got it cleaned up now, Thanks for the suggestions.
Grab a small tube of di-electric grease tube or small pack. Smear a thin layer and then clip on the terminal cover. The cover might have slipped down on the wires.
09-05-23, 12:14 PM
small wire on positive battery cable
