How Do I Hook Up The Batteries in a 1996 MACK CH360?

[tboome]

I'm new to big trucks and working on them. I just recently purchased a 1996 Mack CH360 to use for a septic pumping truck. I bought the truck in Miami and on the way back to Atlanta I noticed that the batteries were weak. Well today me and my friend took out the batteries and took them down and bought new ones. Trouble is, we both thought the other was keeping track of how the cables were attached.

When we came back with the new batteries, I believe I accidently reversed the batteries on my side. We hooked them up but can't seem to get any response inside the cab. We unhooked the batteries again not to cause any more potential damage.

The batteries are fine despite my error. Is it possible I burned out a component or do I just need to get the right configuration to hook the batteries up?

Usually cables are marked black and red but this truck is proving to be a bit challenging. There is one cable that is completely red but only has one terminal post loop. The other has a red terminal head. The cable that has a red head to it actually has two connectors for terminal posts.. Each side has a small chain cable. Also on the passenger side there is a third single cable.

To confusing me anymore than I already am could you please respond to these questions:

1. Which way should the battery's positive terminal be facing on the driver's side. Towards the front of the truck or the back of the truck?

2. Which cable should be connected to the positive terminals. The cable with the two battery terminal loops and the red head or the red cable with the single battery terminal loop?

3. Which terminals do the small chain or two post connector side go on? (I'm assuming the opposite side from the cable with the built in two terminal loops.

4. Which way should the battery's positive terminal be facing on the passenger's side. Towards the front of the truck or the back of the truck?

5. Which cable should be connected to the positive terminals. The cable with the two battery terminal loops and the red head or the red cable with the single battery terminal loop?

6. Which terminals do the small chain or two post connector side go on? (I'm assuming the opposite side from the cable with the built in two terminal loops.

And does anyone know where I could possibly find a maintenance manual or book on this truck? I have a feeling I will am going to need it in the future.

Thanks in advance for the help

[truckmechanic]

Follow the cables out of the battery box and see where they go negitive will go to the block and the positive to the starter if you have a ohm meter you can use that to determine which cable goes where

[bender]

You might try and find someone locally that is familiar with trucks to guide you. Colors won't mean much at this point due to cables get changed and at times whatever color available gets used in place of the original. I'm sure you know that when a connection makes arcs violently it is an incorrect connection, however, this can cause battery explosion and it ain't pretty. Batteries go off like a shotgun and casing and acid will hit you hard at close range. Be Safe! Find someone that knows!