The following procedures can be used for the removal and fitment of an automotive battery:
Battery Removal:
- Before removing the old battery take note which terminal Pos+ or Neg – is connected to the ground cable. The grounded cable is usually connected to the engine or chassis.
- Disconnect ground or negative (-) cable first. This will prevent sparks caused by accidental short circuiting.
- Disconnect the positive cable form the terminal post and then remove the battery hold-downs.
- Finally remove the battery from the vehicle.
Battery Service and Maintenance:
- Inspect the battery tray, hold –downs and clamps. Replace any items damaged by excessive corrosion.
- Use a wire brush to clean corrosion from battery tray and clamps. Clean all corrosion from tray, hold-downs and cables. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Severely corroded components should be washed and neutralized by using a solution of Bicarbonate of Soda mixed with warm water (10grams, or1 tablespoon to 1 liter of water).
- Using a post and clamp cleaner, clean both battery terminals and the inside of both cable clamps until they have a bright-metallic shine. The cleaning ensures good electrical contact.
Battery Fitment:
VERY IMPORTANT STEP- Carefully place the new battery in the tray making certain the (+) and (-) are in the same position in relation to the grounded cable(as noted in step 1). This procedure ensures correct polarity. Replace the battery hold-downs but do not over tighten at this point.
- Follow the reverse of the procedure in the removing the battery. Connect the positive cable first, and then connect the grounded cable. Make sure both cable connections to the terminals are tight. Coat the terminals and the cable clamps with petroleum jelly or a proprietary terminal protector. Do not use grease which may contain metal additives.
- The hold-down nuts can now be tightened securely. Do not over tighten.
- Installation is complete. To ensure battery is installed correctly, turn ignition on. If battery is properly installed, the ammeter (or charge indicator in some vehicles) will show discharged. Crank the engine. Once the engine is running, the ammeter charge indicator light should function correctly.
- It is advisable to always have the vehicle’s charging system checked after fitment of a new battery.
