How to Disconnect and Install a Car Battery

It can be disheartening when you go to turn the key and your car doesn’t start. This happens more often than you may think in Oakland, and could really put a damper on your plans. However, it’s quite easy to replace your battery and get you back out on the road. Learn more about replacing your car battery with the experts at San Francisco Honda! For more information, feel free to contact us anytime!

How to Properly Change a Car Battery 

We all know the feeling, you’re about to start your car and begin your day around Daly City, however, your car won’t start and the battery is dead. Let’s go over a few helpful tips so you know how to disconnect and install a car battery:

Disconnecting Your Old Battery

• Put the car in park, shut the engine off, and apply the parking brake. 
• You can usually find the battery in the front of the engine on the side.
• Once located, remove the negative (-) cable first. Be careful not to touch the positive and negative terminals with your wrench at the same time. 
• Once the negative cable is removed, disconnect the positive (+) cable. 
• If there is a compartment holding the battery in place, remove this also. 
• It’s important not to throw the battery in the trash. Instead, return it to the dealership to exchange it for a new one. 

Attaching the New Battery

• If there’s any type of corrosion or debris on the connectors, thoroughly scrub them with a wire brush. Install the battery and replace the compartment..
• First, attach the positive (+) cable.
• Next, attach the negative (-) cable. Be sure that you connect them in this order to prevent electric shock or shorting out the electrical system. 
• Fire up the engine and ensure everything is working properly.

Learn More About Vehicle Care with San Francisco Honda!

Now that you know how to disconnect and install a car battery, come visit our parts center at San Francisco Honda to exchange your old battery. If you want our certified technicians to do this for you, schedule an appointment anytime, and be sure to take advantage of our service specials to save on your next maintenance in San Francisco and Colma!