How To Install a 12-volt Car Battery
Did you know that we offer a ‘FREE’ battery installation service?
How to Install a Car Battery - 4 Easy Steps
Step 1: Safety & Battery Location
Step 2: Connect a Memory Saver
A vehicle battery memory saver is a device used to preserve your pre programmed electronic settings (i.e. radio channels, clock, seat positions, etc…..).
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Before you embark on replacing your vehicle's battery your self, it's crucial to know that some modern vehicles may require more than just a battery swap. Despite using a battery memory saver tool, certain models might demand a computer reset to ensure smooth operation post-installation.
If you find yourself in this situation, fret not! Your local professional battery installer can provide the necessary technology tool to re-set your vehicles charging algorithm.
NOTE: This is mostly the case with STOP / START vehicles. i.e. vehicles that turn off when you stop to a halt, & start again once you hit the accelerator.
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If you have a professional technician fitting your car battery, prior to doing so, they should connect a commercial use OBD2 Tool (Memory Saver). The OBD2 port that it connects to, is usually located just under your steering wheel, below / behind your dash.
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You can usually purchase a basic Memory Tool Saver (like the one pictured) from the same place that you’ve purchased your new battery from.
NOTE: In the case of the memory saver tool pictured, connect a small 9-volt battery (Battery not included).
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Connect the memory saver tool to the terminal clamp before disconnecting from the vehicle battery:
Connect the + Red / Positive clamp first.
Connect the - Black / Negative clamp 2nd.
NOTE: Leave the Memory Saver Tool permanently connected until NEW battery has been completely installed.
Due to the sulphuric acid in the battery, when fitting a car battery yourself, safety equipment should be a priority!
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Turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition, and ensure all electrical components are off.
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Car batteries contain sulphuric acid and can emit hydrogen gas, which is flammable. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid gas buildup.
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Safety goggles or glasses: Protect your eyes from any potential battery acid splashes or debris.
Gloves: Wear gloves to shield your hands from battery acid and to provide a better grip on tools.
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To find the location of your vehicle battery, make sure you check your vehicles service manual first. If you don’t have any luck in this instance, here are the 3 main vehicle battery locations:
Under front Bonnet / Hood: More often than not, your vehicle battery is located beside the engine, under the front bonnet.
Under front seats: Particularly in vans, vehicle batteries can be located under the front Driver or Passenger seats.
Rear Boot / Trunk: Not as common, vehicle batteies can be located in your vehicles rear boot / trunk.
“Just remember when using a spanner… Lefty Loose, Righty Tighty”
— Corey Smith —
Step 3: Removing Old Battery
Identify the Battery Terminals, the + Red / Positive terminal (Red cable) and the - Black / Negative terminal (Black cable). Reminder: Keep your memory saver tool connected at all times!
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If the battery is secured with hold-down clamps or brackets, use the appropriate tool to loosen and remove them.
NOTE: More often than not, this is a clamp that runs across the to of the battery, with a threaded bolt / nut, that runs down each side.
NOTE: If here is not a clamp across the top of the battery (As Above), located at the base of the battery (on one side only), there will be a flat steel plate with a bolt positioned in the middle of it. Undo this bolt & remove the plate to release the battery
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Using the appropriate size spanner/shifter/ratchet, loosen the nut on the - / Negative terminal clamp and carefully remove it from the batteries lead terminal post.
Tuck it aside to avoid any accidental contact / reconnection with the - / Negative battery terminal
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Similarly, loosen the nut on the + / Positive terminal clamp and carefully remove it from the batteries lead terminal post.
NOTE: Avoid letting the + / Positive Red terminal clamp touch the vehicle’s metal body, & or Engine. By doing this, & keeping the cables separate from each other will avoid any chance of a short circuit.
NOTE: Once the + / Positive Red terminal clamp has been disconnected from the batteries lead post, we suggest wrapping it with red insulation tape to avoid chance of a short circuit.
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Carefully lift the battery out of its tray, keeping the battery in it’s same up right position as it was mounted in your vehicle.
NOTE: Car batteries are heavy, so lift with your legs and avoid straining your back. Be careful not to spill any acid out of your battery.
Step 4: Connecting New Battery
Now that that the old battery is out, before you sit the new battery in place, make sure the battery leads are out of the way securely (So they don’t grab on the heavy battery when lifting it in!).
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Reconnect the + / Positive Red battery terminal clamp to the + / Positive terminal post on the battery, & tighten the terminal clamp nut securely.
NOTE: Ensure the terminal clamp is tight, & there's no movement or play in the connection.
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Reconnect the - / Negative Black battery terminal clamp to the - / Negative terminal post on the battery & tighten the terminal clamp nut securely.
NOTE: Ensure the clamp is tight, & there’s no movement or play in the connection.
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Disconnect the - Black / Negative memory saver tool clamp 1st.
Disconnect the + Red / Positive memory saver tool clamp 2nd.
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Now that your battery is reconnected, it’s time to make sure the battery is secured to the vehicle body. Simply re-fit the battery clamp & tighten!
NOTE: All batteries should be secured in place - other wise, your vehicle simply isn’t Road Worthy!
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Once both battery terminals are reconnected & the memory saver tool has been disconnected, start the car to ensure the battery is functioning properly. If the car starts without issues, the battery installation was successful.
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Car batteries contain harmful chemicals and should not be disposed of in regular trash. The best thing you can do, is to bring your ol battery in to Everything Battery for recycling!
NOTE: Here at Everything Battery in Yeppoon, we offer a full Battery RECYCLING program for old vehicle batteries & it is on no charge to our customers.
Fitted Fast - while You Wait!
No reservations necessary. If you’ve purchased a car starting batter from us here at Everything Battery in Yeppoon, we'll install your battery PRONTO while you wait! Your convenience is our top priority – you'll be in and out in a jiffy!
