Battery
Terminal Washers
Terminal Protective Spray
Wrench
Socket Set
Socket Extension Bar
Memory Saver
Gloves
Safety Glasses
These days, you could find your battery in the trunk or even behind a wheel well so, as usual, we recommend you consult your service manual before you get into this. A top post battery was used in this job. If your vehicle has a side terminal battery, the steps will be much the same. Side terminal batteries do not have top posts. The terminals are molded into the side wall of the battery and they use a different style of battery cable end. And if you find installing a new battery is going to be more complicated than you thought, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Loosen Battery Hold Down
Open the hood. Loosen the hold-down, and slip out the curved end. That will then just swing out of the way.
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Do It Right: It’s good to have a socket set so that you can find the right size for your hold-down. When you install a new battery, your radio presets and other operator preferences will be cleared out. In some vehicles, you may have to re-enter a security code to get the stereo working again. Check your service manual to see if your vehicle requires a memory saver. |
Step 2: Disconnect Negative Cable
Disconnect the negative battery cable end from the negative battery terminal post. The battery will be marked with a (-) minus sign near that post. Loosen the battery cable end just enough to slip it off and move it to the side, out of your way. Make sure it is not resting on bare metal.
Step 3: Disconnect Positive Cable
Disconnect the positive battery cable end from the positive battery terminal post. The battery will be marked with a (+) plus sign near that post. Loosen the connector enough that you can slip it off, and move it to the side.
Step 4: Lift Battery Out
At this point, you should be ready to lift the battery out. Make sure you keep it upright as you carefully lift it out.
Step 5: Put New Battery In
Once you have your new battery, ease it back into the tray.
Step 6: Put Terminal Washers On
To prevent corrosion, it's a good idea to use terminal washers and/or terminal protective spray. If using spray, don't put it on until Step 9.
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Do It Right: It's not necessary to use both terminal washers and terminal protective spray, but there isn't a drawback to using both. |
Step 7: Connect Positive Cable
Connect the positive battery cable end to the positive battery terminal post. Be sure to push it as far down on the post as possible before you tighten it.
Step 8: Connect Negative Cable
Next, connect the negative battery cable end to the negative battery terminal post. Again, be sure to push the end as far down on the post as possible before you tighten it.
Step 9: Spray Terminal Protective Spray
To prevent corrosion, it's a good idea to use terminal protective spray and/or terminal washers. Terminal protective spray will be used after you reattach the battery cables.
Step 10: Tighten Battery Hold-Down
Reposition the hold-down, slip the curved end into the hole and tighten it down.
Step 11: Start the Vehicle
Make sure your engine will start before you close the hood.
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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.