Replacing Your Battery

*EASY*

You should replace your battery before its 4th winter season begins even if it still appears good. A battery that can start a car in warm weather may not do so in cold weather since cold temperature reduces battery power tremendously. Compounding this problem are the facts that cold fuel does not vaporize and burn as easily as warm fuel does. Also, an engine with cold oil is harder to "turn over".

Replace your battery as follows:

  1. Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual). Raise the hood.
  2. Disconnect the negative (-- or black) cable first. Next, disconnect the positive (+ or red) cable. Use a socket wrench and open-end wrench to loosen the connections and a battery cable puller or battery pliers to fully disconnect them.
  3. Loosen and remove any battery hold-down devices. Lift the used battery from its tray. The battery is heavy; don't pinch your fingers or drop it.
  4. Install the new replacement battery on the battery tray. Consult your owner's manual for the correct size and amperage rating. Fasten the hold-down device on battery. Do not excessively tighten the battery hold-down. It could crack or distort the battery case.
  5. Connect the positive (+ or red) cable to its terminal first. Next, connect the negative (-- or black) cable to its terminal. Tighten the connections, but not enough to deform the soft lead clamps or terminals.
  6. Coat the battery cables and terminals with petroleum jelly or equivalent to prevent corrosion.
  7. Confirm the system works by starting your car. It may be necessary to reset the clock or radio station memory buttons if these components are electronic. Also, if your engine is computer controlled it may run poorly for a short period until the computer reprograms itself.

TOP SYSTEMS
BACK BATTERY
PREVIOUS CLEANING YOUR BATTERY
NEXT JUMPING A DISCHARGED BATTERY