Things You'll Need:
- Open-end or adjustable wrench
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Step 1
Take the ground (negative-charge) cable off your old battery. The ground cable is black, and will be connected to a battery terminal either on the top or the side of the old battery. If the terminal is on the side, find an open-end or adjustable wrench to fit the bolt that holds it on, and turn the bolt counter-clockwise to remove it. When the bolt comes off, the cable will be loose. On a top-mount terminal battery, the cables are clamped to posts on the top of the battery. Put a wrench onto the nut on one side of the clamp, and turn the bolt on the other side counter-clockwise with a second wrench. Loosen the clamp and slip it off the post.
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Step 2
Remove the positive cable from the old battery, using the methods described in Step 1.
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Step 3
Lift the old battery out of the car. Some batteries are clamped into position to prevent them from sliding. If so, loosen and remove the strap or bolt holding the battery first. The old battery will certainly be dirty, so wear gloves or pick it up with old rags. Batteries are heavy, as well--use caution when you pick it up.
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Step 4
Place the new battery into the car. Secure it in place if necessary (as the old battery was).
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Step 5
Attach the cables to the battery, putting on the negative cable, then the positive.
