Proper/correct negative battery post grounding wire Gauge?

[Huskyguy68]

Proper/correct negative battery post grounding wire Gauge? ( I'm in Canada with a '06 Nissan Xtrail. A 2.5L /4 cyl. engine with AWD &4 speed auto. Same engine and transmission for the 06 Altima).
I think I saw on the Nissan parts order site it is a 4 gauge. But the OEM original has a middle copper connector that a 10 mm bolt (in middle of the cable) that bolts to metal surface behind the battery. One end connected to negative battery post, other end bolts down under the metal battery tray to (I think transmission).....I did the big three upgrade, but I only used 10 gauge wires. I was at my local Nissan Canada Dealership part's department last weekend, they want $134 plus tax for OEM negative battery cable!!!
Anyways I removed my negative battery cable two weeks ago, only to inspect for corrosion and clean up all bolts related to this cable, the bolt hole surfaces were sanded free of paint/dielectric grease added to the surfaces. I reused the cable lug/sanded both sides of the loop. Anyways, everything works good, no issues, but that OEM negative ground cable has that greenish corrosion one one end that goes under the battery tray. Which I guess is normal for a 19 year old vehicle with possible original ground wire ( I bought this truck in 2015 /I might be the third owner).

So a few questions....should I replace the OEM ground wire with 2 0r 4 gauge? Reason I ask is because the OEM new is $134 and I can go to Home Depot and buy gauge wire by the size and length/meter. Much cheaper . I can buy a pair of 4 gauge copper lugs for less then $5. Home Depot:

Southwire​

Model # 11298798|Store SKU # 1000714539

• 2/7 RW90 SimPull Electrical Wire - Black...7 strands copper.​

• ​

$12.37 / M..........or my local Walmart has a 24 '' negative battery cable for only $8-9.

Southwire . Another store has a 4 gauge- 29 inch battery cable with lug on one end and negative battery post connector. $16. Regardless, I need to modify and cut the sheath in the middle of the cable and add a loop lug for the ten mm bolt . My confusion is what size Gauge is needed and how to correctly install my own home made wire from battery post to middle and finally to under the battery tray. Also, should I have gone with bigger gauge ''big three'' wires'' then the 10 gauge I used. ?






$12.37 / M

 

[Huskyguy68]

too add, lol, I will have issues with proper crimping and cutting of either 2 0r 4 gauge wire. I know I can buy a simple crimping tool, but I have watched Youtube videos where it shows how to use a vise to crimp then use a heavy hammer and punch to give a good solid crimp . The other issue is finding a cutting tool . I have all sorts of tools at home, but nothing that will give a clean straight cut for 2 or 4 gauge cable. I mean I do have other tools I could try, such as my Dremel tool with disc cutters...maybe that might cut thru nicely?
And in the photo I provide here, note the OEM cable middle connection...copper with a hole in it for a ten mm bolt (middle bolts to metal right Behind the battery/not under). In the photo is a Nissan Xterra/Frontier 2.4L engine ground battery cable, not meant for my 06 Xtrail, but very similar. Just showing what a similar Nissan cable to mine looks like.
One thing to keep in mind, my Xtrail was not sold in USA, but everywhere else. In Canada, Mexico, Asia, South America, Russia, Australia..you name it. In 2008, North America got the Nissan Rogue. Xtrail in Canada was only the 05 and 06 model years, in 08 it was the Rogue. So when I order parts, it's either Rock Auto or local Nissan parts department, or if they are parts shared for the 06 Altima. The usual generic brake/battery/bulbs etc can be bought locally, but nowhere near as easy as if I owned a Toyota Rav4 or Honda Civic, Corolla. ......Worst case scenario, I buy a new $134+tax battery cable. I am kinda handy with auto/home etc, and not afraid to buy parts needed and make my own battery cable, as long as done correctly and my vehicle operates smoothly with no issues.

 

[Hall]

You're paying Nissan for the convenience of the 'right' length of wire and pre-crimped on both ends. The worst part of a DIY wire is crimping as I'm sure most people don't have crimp tools for that size wiring. That's why you see clamps with (2) bolts/nuts, though those are considered less reliable than a crimped connection. If you can get a proper crimp, go for it.

 

[The_Jeff]

Your existing wire will do fine, no, better, just clean the ends up a little.

Don't underestimate the quality of a factory crimp and shrink tubing.

You strike me as bored and looking to do something within your skillset to make your car better. That's fine, we all do it, but that particular cable you pictured just needs a little wirebrushing/ sanding on the far end.

If you look at the wire that goes from your starter solenoid to the motor it's much thinner than 4 gauge. The OE size really does just fine as long as it's in good shape. Modern gear reduction starters don't need a ton of amperage.

 

[JHZR2]

What is the problem you’re trying to solve?

The oe cable looks fine. Clean it up a bit if it bothers you. Even with a hydraulic crimper and good posts, you likely won’t do better than the OE terminal and cable. Could you install a heavier one? Sure. If so, I’d use the south wire royal cable, but I wouldn expect miracles. You could coat the exposed orange copper between the insulation and the terminal to prevent corrosion there. Potentially use shrink wrap or high temperature electrical tape.

Adding a supplemental ground to the alternator case can in some cases help, but it can also create loops.

 

[Huskyguy68]

You're paying Nissan for the convenience of the 'right' length of wire and pre-crimped on both ends

lol, definitely! I think it is a doable project, just need to crimp correctly.

 

[Huskyguy68]

You strike me as bored and looking to do something within your skillset to make your car better.

Would not say boredom is my motivation . I have had this Xtrail since 2015 and has been a good truck. Now 233,000 on the OD.
In the beginning I replaced a lot of engine parts that were getting near end of lifespan and/were neglected by previous owners and it did make a noticeable difference in terms of restoring performance back to a new from factory type of feel. Replaced the cam/crank sensors when the engine began stalling or hard starts and that sure woke up the engine. Over time, 02 sensors, coils, new batteries,PCV valve, filters, fluids, auto transmission filter, engine coolant temperature sensor. These were things I could do myself and it did make a nice difference, smoother running engine, better fuel mpg then when I first bought it.
Last summer I replaced the rear parking brake shoes...those were totally gone. Took me awhile, never did any brake work myself and had to deal with rusty old parts, broken caliper bolt. But got it done, job well done. I usually will search online or ask friends where to get parts to save money and I order either locally in my city or from Rock auto, etc.
LAst 5 years, I focused more on cleaning versus outright replacing. Removed and cleaned the throttle body, bought the correct cleaning sprays for Maff sensor, TB, cleaned the PCV valve every 3 months, cleaned up as many electrical contacts. THis latest venture, on advice from a fellow Xtrail owner from a FB Xtrail forums I am on, he suggested I do as he did...clean up engine ground contact points, add new 10 Gauge wire to 3 specific areas. Did that , did the ECU reset and was pleasantly surprised with the results. The only thing I did not replace was the big negative battery cable. I only removed it, cleaned up three contact points/the bolts, the loop connectors, battery posts already super clean. As I mentioned earlier, making a new battery cable should be fairly cheap to buy versus the new OEM price, figure it's old and tired, might benefit from an upgrade. Not expecting a miracle race car, by no means.

Actually, just trying to keep the vehicle running smooth and as fuel efficient as possible. I live in a city with the highest cost for gasoline at the pumps ..in North America. I really like this Xtrail, plan on keeping it for as long as I can, eventually replace with another compact, used SUV.

 

[Huskyguy68]

Adding a supplemental ground to the alternator case can in some cases help

did that too....no issues so far after two weeks of driving.

 

[Huskyguy68]

Found exact cable at Rockauto, $27 plus $19 shipping and $1.78 tax in Canadian funds. Middle ground connection included.
Sure beats $134 plus tax locally in my city

 

[Huskyguy68]

Found the negative battery cable with middle ground connector on the Napa Canada website for about $53 plus tax. Nice to get it locally in store .
Today I added a $11.39 /150 amp fuse to my one gauge wire from alternator to positive battery post. Peace of mind , some said maybe unnecessary.