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How to Replace a Battery

We've all experienced the frustration of being stranded with a dead battery. But fear not! With some guidance from the King himself, you'll be back on the road in no time. Allow us to share some valuable tips on how to effortlessly replace your battery AND get a refund by bringing your old battery to Parts King. 

Here’s What You’ll Need: 

  • Socket Set
  • Wrench Set
  • Gloves
  • Battery
  • Battery Cables (as needed)
  • Battery Hold-Down Parts (as needed)

 
Words of Wisdom From The King: 

  • Every vehicle is different. Always follow the owner’s manual when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
  • Safety should be your number one priority. Don’t smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.
  • Don’t work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle’s performance.
  • Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a professional mechanic or installer.

Royal Tip: Be sure to get the right battery for your vehicle and your needs. Do you have a big stereo or a lot of electrical accessories? Ask the Pros at Parts King.

How to Replace a Battery 

Steps For Removing Your Old Battery: 

  1. Raise the hood of your vehicle and locate the battery. Some vehicles may have the battery located in other places (e.g., in the trunk, under a seat, etc.), but most are under the hood.
  2. Depending on your vehicle, you may have to remove other parts, such as support bars, fluid containers, etc., to get proper access to the battery. Do so now.
  3. Look at how the battery is secured. The two standard hold-down methods are a metal bar that clamps across the top of the battery or a bolt that clamps down on the side of the battery.
  4. Before removing the hold-down clamps, disconnect the negative (-) battery cable (usually black).
  5. Disconnect the positive (+) battery cable (usually red or with a red cover).
  6. Remove the hold-down bolts or bar.
  7. Double-check that everything has been removed from the battery, then pull it out.

IMPORTANT: Be careful when pulling out a battery. They are heavy and may also leak acid onto your skin or clothes.

How to Replace a Battery 

Steps For Installing Your New Battery: 

  1. Before installing your new battery, be sure to compare it to your old one. Are the terminals in the same location? Is the battery the same size? Is it the right amount of cranking amps?
  2. Carefully place the new battery into the vehicle so it's sitting in the same position as the old battery.
  3. Reinstall the hold-down bolts and bars.
  4. Once it's secured, try and move the battery. It shouldn't be able to move at all.
  5. Reconnect the positive (+) cable.
  6. Reconnect the negative (-) cable.
  7. Check that the car has power by turning on the headlights. IMPORTANT: Do NOT start the engine yet.
  8. Reinstall any other parts that were removed. Double-check all your work, and make sure nothing was missed.
  9. Start the engine.
  10. Check your gauges/information lights. There should be no warning lights on, and your electrical gauge should be in the "safe" zone, approximately 14 volts.
  11. Be sure to protect your car's interior from any acid that may spill from the old battery while in transport.
  12. Once the battery has been replaced, bring your old battery back to Parts King for your core refund. For more information, check out our Core Returns policy.