How to Remove a Car Battery

Do you find yourself stuck with a dead car battery that you need to replace? Removing a car battery is actually quite a simple process if you do it right. Done wrong though, it can be potentially dangerous. With that having been said, we here at Ryan Chrysler Jeep Dodge near Dickinson can help you learn how to remove a car battery the right way for best results the first time! In fact, we’re here to help you with all your service needs. Just check out our service tips! Meanwhile, here’s what to do when looking to replace your car battery or remove the old one for any reason.

Preparing for Car Battery Removal

Car batteries are powerful. Think about it: they hold enough charge to deliver the potent sparks required to start your vehicle and ignite the combustion process. As such, you want to be prepared by following the proper safety precautions. That includes wearing insulated work gloves and safety goggles. Next, be sure your car is off. After that, do the following:

• Procure some zip ties or other restraints you can use to keep the battery cables in their proper place. If they touch together, it creates sparks and becomes a serious fire hazard. So be sure they do not touch.
• Cover the positive cable over with a cloth once it is removed to further reduce the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
• Avoid any jewelry like bracelets, rings, or necklaces to prevent yourself from getting an electrical shock.
• Stay in a well-ventilated area when removing the battery so as to prevent exposure to harmful gases.

If, upon beginning to remove the battery, you find that the terminal is fused, you can purchase a special battery cable removal tool to loosen it. Contact our parts department for more information.

Removing a Car Battery: The Basics

After you’ve taken the proper safety precautions as listed above, it’s time to begin battery removal. For this, you’ll need pliers, wrenches, and possibly screwdrivers. Here’s what to do:

• Locate the negative battery terminal. It should have a black plastic cover or a minus sign. It will be located either on the battery post or nearby it.
• Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with a wrench or pliers and hold it in place so you can remove the nut.
• Use other pliers or a wrench to remove the nut. 
• Pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery so it doesn’t touch.
• Repeat the above steps for the positive cable.
• Be sure that the two battery cables never touch!
• If the battery is held by a securing bracket, use your pliers or wrench to take out the screws and bolts that hold it in place.
• Lift the battery out of the bracket. Remember: it may weigh up to 40 lbs.

How Many Volts is a Car Battery?

A fully charged car battery should measure at 12.6 volts or higher. When the engine is running, this should bump up to about 13.7 to 14.7 volts. You can test your car battery to see how many volts it measures at to see if it’s time to replace the battery. Here’s how:

• Start your car and turn on your headlights
• If the lights are dim, they may be running on your battery
• If the lights get brighter when you rev the engine, the alternator may be producing some current, but not enough when idle to keep the battery charged
• If the lights have a normal level of brightness, even when you rev the engine, your battery is likely working normally

If you’re not looking to become a battery expert, but just want an answer to the question “Do I need a new car battery,” bring your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Wagoneer vehicle to us for a complimentary battery test at our service center!

Schedule Battery Service near Stanley Now!

Ready to book your next battery service or diagnostic appointment? Schedule battery service near Watford City and Stanley online now! Be sure to check out our service specials to see how much you could save on your next battery service appointment.