Power Wire Instructions
This instruction sheet is considered "universal" and applies to all of the power wire kits made by PA Performance. This sheet is not intended for use with other brands or applications, only those produced by PA Performance. Content may change or be updated without notice.
Instructions:
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal from the battery and move it to the side to prevent accidental contact during the installation.
The power wire is designed to safely carry 100% of the power created by PA Performance Alternators. In some cases customers will leave the OEM wire attached so any original functions remain in other cases they remove it and use our cable.
On most early Ford vehicles (1965-1995) the B+ power is connected to the battery (hot) side of the fender mounted starter relay. If so, locate the relay and remove the plastic shroud covering the starter solenoid and other wires. This is typically done with a Phillips head screwdriver. The top screw is not difficult, the lower screw requires a short (or "stubby") screwdriver.
On Ford models starting around 1996 and newer, the alternator power wire was connected to the power distribution block near the battery, in some cases a fuse block. If you carefully follow the OEM alternator charge wire from the alternator to the end, you will note where it is connected, this same post is where the new PA wire will connect. As stated above, some customers leave the OEM wire connected and run the larger more efficient PA wire with it.
Remove the nut from the battery positive (+) side of the solenoid using a 9/16" wrench or socket. This is where the new PA wire will be installed.
Locate the short end closest to the fuse holder. This is the end that will be installed on the solenoid terminal under the nut you just removed, the terminal is 5/16"
Install the wire terminal on the battery positive (+) terminal of the solenoid. It is very important that all of the wires are situated flat and such that they lay tightly
together. Once laying flat - reinstall the nut and tighten using a 9/16" wrench or socket. Be careful not to over tighten. The terminal stud is typically copper and very soft. If you are running this cable to the starter or the battery post, the instructions are the same.
Route the wire so the fuse holder is located under the battery tray or next to the battery if possible, or use wire ties or screws to safely mount it to a secure location. If you locate the fuse holder near a flat surface and want to mount it that is always acceptable, just be careful that screws do not puncture anything underneath the mounting. Always Use Caution drilling through any area not to damage hidden wires, fuel lines or other critical items.
Route the wire behind the battery and securely over to the alternator if possible so it will not rub or touch anything hot or metallic.
Remove the nut from the Power Output (B+) stud on the alternator with a 10mm wrench and locate the new wire so it can be placed flat on the terminal along with any stock wires.
Attach the end of the wire with the small 1/4" terminal on this post, if you are using a PA Performance Alternator this terminal will seat nicely inside the cutouts on the insulator, this is intended to prevent twisting and movement.
Reinstall the nut using a 10mm wrench, being careful that the wire terminals are seated flat. Do not over tighten this nut or internal alternator damage will result. Conversely, do not leave this nut loose or intense heat and sparks will destroy the area that mounts to the alternator and the power wire, these issues are not covered under the warranty.
Review the path of the wire and be sure one final time that the wire is not pinched or damaged and it is securely tied to existing wires or surfaces.
Reconnect the battery negative terminal.
Start the vehicle to assure nothing is abnormal. If desired, test the system using a DC volt meter, measuring with the positive lead to the positive (+) terminal of the battery and the negative lead to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. If you installed a PA Performance Alternator, measure with all accessories off and a fully charged battery, the DC voltmeter should register approximately 13.8 to 14.4 volts (consult the volt meter user manual for instructions if you are unfamiliar with the use of this instrument).
If you are not using a PA Performance Alternator your voltage readings may be different but verify the alternator is making power and measure voltage at the B+ post on the alternator and the B+ post on the battery, the readings should be the same.
That completes the steps we took to install our Alternator Power Wire. If you have any questions or observations you can e-mail us.