How to Remove a Car Battery

A car battery is a source of power for a car, but there are times when it's necessary to remove your car battery. Following basic steps will guarantee your safety and the safety of your car.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Raise the hood of your car. Make sure it is securely locked in the open or up position.

2. Check your owner's manual to find your car's grounding system type. This will be either negative grounding or positive grounding.

3. Disconnect the battery terminal cables by loosening the screws on the cable clamps. If your car has a negative grounding system, you must remove the negative cable first, then follow with the positive cable. If your car has a positive grounding system, you must remove the positive cable and then the negative cable.

4. Unfasten the battery hold down strap. This is the metal strap that keeps the battery stationary. You may need to loosen 2 bolts attached to 2 long screws in order to unfasten the battery hold down strap.

5. Remove the battery hold down strap and the 2 long screws. Place these in a secure location because you will need them when you reinstall your battery.

6. Pull up on the battery to remove it from the car. Be careful because the battery will be heavy.

Tips & Warnings

• Brush the bolts and clamps with a wire brush if they are stuck or corroded. Lubricating them is another option.
• Never place a battery on concrete or cement. Doing this may drain the battery's power.