Best way to mod 12v terminals?

Now, keep in mind, I am NOT mechanically inclined WHATSOEVER, I am HORRIBLE with tools. It doesn't matter how many youtube videos I watch, it is just something I am not good at. With that in mind, what would be the easiest way to make this connection work?

Acknowledging this is half the battle for you. I just question, with this knowledge you have, why would you buy a non-direct fit battery that requires more than just simple installation? Now you're looking at jerry rigging the 12v connections. Although simple, the 12v connections are some of the most important connections in the vehicle.

That being said, and assuming that perhaps this was the only option for you, take a look at some postings by @PriusCamper . I believe he has used batteries with a similar type top connector.

 

Not sure what you mean by "flag posts?" Can you share a link to what your terminals look like?

In general I've found a big washer on the top and bottom of each battery terminal in your Prius will allow you to sandwich the terminal between them and bolt it down.

 

Flag terminal:



You could get some adapters like these: Flag to Post Adapter. These likely will be SAE posts, so you might need to file them thinner to make JIS posts - caution! The lead filings are potentially toxic, handle and dispose of with care. I couldn't find any JIS sized adapters.

Another option would be to use the existing bolt and clamp and undo the nut, open up the gap, sandwich the flag terminal between, then bolt it back up. That may not be possible, due to space, with the flag oriented as shown above.

 

I saw a tik-tok video once where a guy arc-welds the terminal to the battery. That could work. Of course it'll wreck the battery and maybe the car too.

 

The terminal clamps have a bolt and nut which you're supposed to tighten when you place the clamps over the battery terminals. You can use that bolt to go straight through the flap post, thereby attaching the clamps from the side, rather than actually clamping them onto anything. You may have to use your own bolt and nut. Maybe add washers.

 

No. Just don't.

There's a good reason for that.

No.

The connections need to be bolted.

 

Tape it?
Yikes!

 

This question, all by itself, explains exactly why you should not have bought this battery. I recommend you just connect it with giant alligator clips and call it a day.

 

Do it, if you want to create electical arcs between the poorly connected terminals/cables that can burn the tape around it and cause a fire.

Your call...

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

You could get a couple of these copper pipe clamps and use a nut and bolt to attach them to the flag posts. You will probably have to drill all the holes a bit larger. The positive one will bolt right on to the car's connector once you remove the battery clamp from it. The negative side could be attached with a cable that has ring terminals on either end as long as its an 8ga. cable at least. It is not science of rocket by any means. As long as you have good connections, the car will never know the difference.

And make sure you get a dirty chunk of 2x4 to put under the battery hold down since the 35ah battery is slightly shorter than the original.

This solution is no worse than most of the battery terminals I've seen in cars, especially the kind with the 2 little bolts on top that clamp down on crusty green frayed cables.

 

Makes me wonder if this OP is just a hoaxer. Surprised he isn’t trying twist ties or something.

 

I know people who put duct tape on everything.

Me? I'm partial to zipties.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Check the connection of the ground wire between the 12V battery and the body of the car. All connections should be snug and free of corrosion (or tape, or zip ties, etc.).