Technical Fiat Grande Punto - Earth Cables

[Bartoosh]

2006 Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Active. I'd like to replace the ground cables running from the battery to the chassis and fuse box. However, the chassis cable alone is retailing online between £95-£120. This seems extortionate to me and I don't want to buy used parts. Does anyone know where I can obtain these cables for a more reasonable price?

If they aren't available new at a more reasonable price then I'm confident enough to make my own using the original connections. Good quality earth cabling is readily available for around £9-£15 per metre. However, they come in different current (Amps) ratings so I'm unsure which to buy. I can't find any information online relating to the specification of the original. Does anyone know the Amp rating of the original cables?

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

Quality (copper) welding cables are best possible replacement for the original ground cables. I used them in both my daily and my girlfriend's cars as replacement for the original engine ground:

You could also try to source for terminals that look like the one you need on ebay or amazon.

Take the maximum current from the alternator, it will be enough for the fuse box ground. As for the chassis, it'd also work if the starter has a separate ground. Then find an amp / AWG or amp / sq mm comparison chart on the internet.

You will also need a good quality clamping tool. I bought a hydraulic one on aliexpress, works like a charm on 16 and 25 sq mm cable terminals.

 

[Bartoosh]

Thanks for the tips, green vanper. Much appreciated.

 

[GrandePunto PL]

You can also gamble and buy used one. From the same or similar models from that era.
I have double ground. One original (1,4 8V) and second (in parallel) from "Bravo II, 1,4 16V", looks similar and fits the car.
It required some drilling, filing etc. to join them at battery terminal, but it's doable at home (no special tooling, no clamping/crimping needed).

 

[Bartoosh]

You can also gamble and buy used one. From the same or similar models from that era.
I have double ground. One original (1,4 8V) and second (in parallel) from "Bravo II, 1,4 16V", looks similar and fits the car.
It required some drilling, filing etc. to join them at battery terminal, but it's doable at home (no special tooling, no clamping/crimping needed).

Buying a used one did cross my mind but I decided that if I am to replace them I want new cables. Used ones from that era could be corroded internally or, at best, last short term. However, doubling up is a good shout.

 

[AnthonyH]

There are lots of earth cables on eBay. They're around £10.

 

[Bartoosh]

There are lots of earth cables on eBay. They're around £10.

I appreciate that but as I want to replace the negative battery ground I need to understand the following before I buy:
(1) What is the correct ampage (there are many options on eBay)?
(2) One of the negative battery cables has a double connection. One halfway down that connects to the leg chassis followed by another with an L-shaped connector that attaches to the gearbox. Is it possible, for example, to take a used cable and re-purpose the connectors with fresh wire?

 

[AnthonyH]

I appreciate that but as I want to replace the negative battery ground I need to understand the following before I buy:
(1) What is the correct ampage (there are many options on eBay)?
(2) The of the negative battery cables has a double connection. One halfway down that connects to the leg chassis followed by another with an L-shaped connector that attaches to the gearbox. Is it possible, for example, to take a used cable and re-purpose the connectors with fresh wire?

100 amps is fine. You can put as many earth cables on the car, in as many combinations, as you like. I have 3 earth cables on my Punto. I'd advise you to do the same because they rust up pretty easily.

If you want to reuse connectors with replacement wire you can. A previous mechanic put household cable wire as one of my earths, there's no reason for me to change it.

 

[Bartoosh]

100 amps is fine. You can put as many earth cables on the car, in as many combinations, as you like. I have 3 earth cables on my Punto. I'd advise you to do the same because they rust up pretty easily.

If you want to reuse connectors with replacement wire you can. A previous mechanic put household cable wire as one of my earths, there's no reason for me to change it.

Interesting. Where have you connected the 3 earth cables?

 

[AnthonyH]

I have the original one, one to the clutch slave and one under the battery tray on the chassis.

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

Quality (copper) welding cables are best possible replacement for the original ground cables. I used them in both my daily and my girlfriend's cars as replacement for the original engine ground:

View attachment 454176

You could also try to source for terminals that look like the one you need on ebay or amazon.

Take the maximum current from the alternator, it will be enough for the fuse box ground. As for the chassis, it'd also work if the starter has a separate ground. Then find an amp / AWG or amp / sq mm comparison chart on the internet.

You will also need a good quality clamping tool. I bought a hydraulic one on aliexpress, works like a charm on 16 and 25 sq mm cable terminals.

That's how the finished cable looks like:

And one end installed on the body:

In your case the problem could be finding a proper terminal, but perhaps using a standard one could be on option. You could also ask at a dealership.

 

[Bartoosh]

I have the original one, one to the clutch slave and one under the battery tray on the chassis.

Is that in addition to the one that runs to the fuse box?

 

[Bartoosh]

That's how the finished cable looks like:

View attachment 454443
View attachment 454444
And one end installed on the body:
View attachment 454445

In your case the problem could be finding a proper terminal, but perhaps using a standard one could be on option. You could also ask at a dealership.

That's a very nice job, GV!