How to Remove and Install a Battery?
3 Answers
Steps for battery removal and installation: 1. Engage the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral, turn the ignition switch to the off position, ensure lights, air conditioning, etc., are turned off to disconnect all electrical devices from the power source; 2. Open the engine hood, remove the battery cables in the order of negative first then positive, i.e., first disconnect the ground wire from the negative terminal, then disconnect the starter cable from the positive terminal, remove the fixing bolts and take out the battery; 3. When installing the battery, place it steadily, secure the fixing bolts first, then install the battery cables; 4. The cable installation order is positive first then negative, i.e., first connect the starter positive cable, then connect the negative ground wire to prevent the wrench from falling and causing a short circuit discharge; 5. When installing the battery, also ensure the battery terminal surfaces are clean before installation, the terminals are firmly and reliably connected, and avoid striking the terminals to prevent acid leakage due to terminal loosening.
I've done the battery replacement myself several times. Just prepare a 10mm or 13mm wrench and gloves. First disconnect the black negative cable grounding terminal - loosen the terminal clamp with the wrench and bend the cable aside to avoid contact with metal. Then remove the red positive cable using the same method. Be careful not to reverse the disassembly sequence! Also unscrew the metal retaining plate that secures the battery - turn the bolt counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. When removing the old battery, handle it steadily as leaked sulfuric acid can corrode the car paint. Before installing the new battery, clean the base thoroughly, position it properly and secure the retaining plate without overtightening. Connect the positive terminal firmly first, then attach the negative terminal until you hear the click indicating it's locked. Finally, test by starting the engine - all dashboard lights should function normally. Remember to close car doors to avoid blowing fuses.
Last time my car battery died and I called for help, the mechanic taught me a trick: cover the electrodes with an old cloth before disassembly to prevent short circuits. It's essential to turn off the engine and remove the key, otherwise the computer board can easily get fried. Nowadays, many new car models have their batteries in the trunk, and you need to pry open the plastic clips of the cover panel when removing it. Be extra careful when replacing an AGM battery, as it costs three times more than a regular lead-acid battery, and the terminals require special protective covers. When I replaced mine, I prepared insulating tape and immediately wrapped the wire ends after removing the positive and negative terminals. If you find the one-touch window function doesn't work after installation, don't panic—just hold the window switch for ten seconds to reset the program. This situation is quite common.
