97 f-150 4x4 4.6 L... positve battery cable eye terminal at the starter has broken for the second time. last time fixed w/ new lug only as the new cable is $150.00 from dealer, yes you read that right $150.00!!!!! has anyone else had this difficulty? and if so what was the better fix???
thanks..

 

This same kind of thing happened to my 99 F150 Lariat last night (02/25/05). It happened that afternoon as well, but I got it started by putting it in neutral and starting it, instead of park. This last time it wouldnt start for good. I checked the battery connections and cleaned them of any corrosion. Tried to jump it again and it still wouldnt start. I crawled under to see the cable connection to my starter had rusted/corroded (sp?) away... If anyone has any insight on how to go about fixing this and/or a cheaper price for the cable, let me know please.

 

I had this problem when I lived in Colorado with another vehicle. Here was my fix;

Take your current cable to a good battery shop or Diesel Truck repair and have a GOOD eye installed. They will have the press to do a good job. Then buy a tube of good battery grease and grease thread connection on starter, terminal, and lock nut. Also ask them for the rubber boot that will cover the terminal.

I have not had a problem since.