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Things You’ll Need For the Job:
- New (or used) battery – if used, make sure it is correct for your vehicle
- A special battery terminal wrench, or an appropriate wrench socket and handle
- Petroleum jelly
- Battery connector cleaning tool (a wire brush, toothbrush and a baking soda/water paste will do in a pinch, as will Coca Cola!)
- Clean rags
- Safety glasses (this is important – you do not want battery acid in your eyes, believe me!)
Replacing the Battery:
- First, disconnect the negative (-) cable.
- Now disconnect the positive (+) cable.
Note: If the cable's insulation is deteriorating, replace the cable to avoid sparks.
- Remove the battery hold-down clamp.
- Lift the battery out of the carrier or tray (you may have to jiggle it, but it will come).
- Place the new battery in the tray.
- Replace the hold-down clamp or device.
- Check cables for corrosion. Clean out the battery cable connectors with the cleaning tool, if necessary.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of each battery cable connector. Battery sealer/protector products are also available from the automotive aftermarket.
- Reconnect the positive terminal.
- Reconnect the negative terminal.
- Take the old battery to a proper recycling facility.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure all of your supplies and tools are close at hand before starting the job.
- Take your time.
- Wait to perform the battery replacement until the car cools down.
- The new battery must be fully charged to prevent overloading and damage to the charging system.
- Keep the batteries in an upright position so that acid does not leak out.
- Don't set tools on batteries. These or any other metal objects that touch both battery posts simultaneously can short out the cells.
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