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Battery Replacement

Fresh juice for your vehicle

Created by Paul W. Cockerham

Needless to say, if you don't have a powerful battery residing in today's electricity-dependent automobile (42-volt systems are right around the corner), your car becomes a large, curb-hogging paperweight. Proper care (topping off electrolyte levels with distilled water, making sure terminals aren't corroded) can extend battery life to as much as five years, although harsh climates can cut that figure in half. Today, modern electronics incrementally drain a battery non-stop, even when your car is sitting in the garage; if you've parked your car at the airport for a week and had a moment of anxiety firing it up when you return, this is why. Vibration, wacky alternators delivering too much or too little of a charge, or plain old abusive behavior will lead to premature battery death as well.

Most batteries are pretty simple to replace—even those found in the trunks of sports cars. However, if you feel the least bit challenged by the job, leave it to the pros. You may also want to have a service manual handy. Don't start the job until you've completely read these instructions.

Parts List

> A fully charged (this is important) battery of adequate capacity for your vehicle and engine

> A special battery terminal wrench, or an appropriate wrench socket and handle

> Petroleum jelly

> Battery connector cleaning tool

> Clean rags

> Safety glasses

Installation

> First, disconnect the negative cable.

> Disconnect the positive cable. If the cables' insulation is deteriorating, replace the cable to avoid sparks.

> Remove the battery hold-down clamp.

> Lift the battery out of the carrier or tray.

> Place the new battery in the tray.

> Replace the hold-down clamp or device.

> Check cables for corrosion. Clean out the battery cable connectors with the cleaning tool, if necessary. A baking soda/water solution applied with an old toothbrush will also help remove the corrosion.

> Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of each battery cable connector. Battery sealer/protector products are also available from the automotive aftermarket.

> Reconnect the positive terminal.

> Reconnect the negative terminal.

> Take the old battery to a proper recycling facility.

Tips

> Make sure all of your supplies and tools are close at hand before starting the job.

> Take your time.

> A repair manual specific to your vehicle may provide valuable details that this article cannot address.

> If the car hasn't cooled adequately, wait, and in the meantime, beware of hot objects.

> If safety glasses are not available, do not perform this installation until you get a pair.

> The new battery must be fully charged to prevent overloading and damage to the charging system.

> Unless the battery is a special captive-electrolyte type, be careful to keep both the old and new units upright at all times to prevent the acid (which can cause burns) from leaking out.

> Securely clamp down the new battery. Vibration shortens battery life, and a loose battery can also cause acid and electrical damage as well as compromising other parts like belts and fans.

> Don't set tools on batteries. These or any other metal objects that touch both battery posts simultaneously can short out the cells.

> Because of the reason above, consider installing a clamp cover on the positive cable if it doesn't have one.