How to Install a New Car Battery

Installing a car battery is a relatively simple task. The only requirements is an ability to lift 40 pounds and being able to reach under the hood of a car. Follow the outline below to change your car's battery yourself, without requiring the assistance of a mechanic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Battery
• Combination wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wire brush or steel wool

1. Turn off the car's engine before starting the installation process.

2. Lift the hood and locate your battery. There will be one black (negative) and one red (positive) cable attached to the battery.

3. Loosen the nuts connecting the cable to the negative battery post. This cable is bolted to the frame of the car. Remove the negative cable and place away from the battery. Repeat with positive cable. The positive cable is identified by being fully insulated and can be traced to the fuse box.

4. Remove clamp from battery.

5. Lift the battery carefully from your car.

6. Clean the tray where the battery was resting. Rub the metal clamps that attach to the battery with steel wool or a wire brush to remove any corrosion.

7. Place new battery in tray. Place clamp on new battery and attach both cables. Attach the positive (red) cable first, following with the negative (black) cable.

8. Tighten the nuts. The nuts should not move when moved by your hand.

9. Dispose of battery according to local regulations.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remove the negative connections first. This avoids the possibility of shock and a shower of sparks.
• If you trade your battery in to the retailer where you purchase your new battery, you will often get a discount.
• Wear protective eye gear when working under the hood of a vehicle.
• Do not let the positive and negative cable touch.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is very corrosive. Do not let the acid touch clothes or skin.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[djjammaster]

on 10/9/2009 What am I doing wrong if I attach either cable, then the other, and I get sparks?