If you’ve determined your battery is bad, here’s how to replace it yourself with only a few tools.
Time An hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
CostVaries
Introduction
If you’ve determined your battery is bad, here’s how to replace it yourself with only a few tools.Watch How to Change a Car Battery
Tools Required
- Battery post & terminal cleaner
- Leather gloves
- Safety glasses
- Socket set
Materials Required
- Replacement battery
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Remove the (-) Negative Terminal First
- The (-) negative or ground terminal is the black cable attached to the battery.
- Remove this cable first by loosening the nut on the terminal clamp using a socket or wrench. Some release nuts are on the side and some are on the top of the terminal clamp.
- Wiggle the terminal clamp, pulling it off the battery post and out of the way.
Step 2
Remove the (+) Positive Terminal
- The (+) positive terminal is the red cable attached to the battery.
- Remove this cable next by loosening the nut on the terminal clamp using a socket or wrench.
- Wiggle the terminal clamp, pulling it off the battery post and out of the way.
Step 3
Remove the Hold-down Strap
- Loosen both nuts on the hold-down strap using a deep socket.
- Lift the hold-down strap up and out of the way and set it aside.
Step 4
Remove the Battery
- Get a good hold of the battery and lift it out of the compartment. Some batteries have built-in handles.
- A battery carrying strap comes in handy for this, as well as leather gloves.
Step 5
Clean the Terminal Clamps
- Use a battery post and terminal cleaner to clean the inside of each terminal before installing the battery.
- Warning! Wear gloves and safety glasses when cleaning corroded terminal clamps.
Step 6
Install the New Battery
- Place the new battery in the compartment aligning the (+) positive and (-) negative terminals with their corresponding (+) positive red cable and (-) negative black cable.
Step 7
Reinstall the Hold-down Strap
- Place the hold-down strap over the top of the battery, being careful not to touch the terminals with the metal rods.
- Hook the rods into the holes located just below the front and back of the battery.
- Tighten nuts on both rods but do not over tighten them — you don’t want to crack your new battery.
Step 8
Reinstall the Terminal Clamps
- First, install the (+) positive red terminal clamp on the (+) positive battery post. Push it all the way down so the battery post sticks up past the top of the cable clamp, and tighten the nut snugly.
- Next, install the (-) negative black terminal clamp (you will see a small spark when you touch the battery post). Again push the post all the way down and tighten the nut snugly.
Originally Published: November 16, 2020
