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Installing a Car Battery

Installing a Car Battery

To install a car battery on your own, follow standard safety precautions and these steps:

  1. Remove your old car battery. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable, and finally the hold-down clamps. Notes: Disconnection of the battery will disrupt computer controlled systems. A memory saver that plugs into the lighter outlet may be used to save computer and radio/clock settings. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Exchange your old battery when you buy your new one or take it to a recycling center. Putting your car battery in regular trash is illegal.
  2. Clean the replacement car battery, battery tray, cables, and connectors. Replace corroded parts.
  3. Position the battery in the tray so that negative cable will connect to the negative terminal. Reversing the polarity can cause serious damage to the electrical system or cause the battery to explode.
  4. Position the hold-down clamps and tighten firmly, then reconnect the positive cable, and finally, reconnect the negative cable.
  5. Start the engine. Confirm that, as engine speed is increased, the ignition warning light goes out or the ammeter indicates "Charge".