How to Remove a Car Battery

Your car’s battery starts the car up, keeps it running, and helps power all the electrical components. However, you may need to remove it to replace it when the charge runs down or to check it for signs of damage. This is a relatively simple task you can do by yourself, but you need to do it right to avoid hurting yourself. Read on to find out how to remove a car battery safely.

Batteries hold enough charge to deliver a deadly shock, so make sure you’re wearing insulated work gloves. You should also wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from corrosive agents. Before starting, turn off your car — running vehicles can produce a spark and ignite flammable agents.

You should also:

• Get some zip ties or other form of restraint to keep the battery cables in their proper place. If they touch, it creates sparks and become a fire hazard, so preventing them from touching is important.
• Cover the positive cable end with a cloth once it is removed to avoid the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
• Take off any jewelry — including necklaces, watches, and bracelets — to prevent getting a shock if they come in contact with the battery.
• Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to harmful gases.

Sometimes finding the hood release is tricky. Here’s a video from Nissan for opening the Versa Sedan hood. Not sure where it is? Download Your Manual Here.

If the terminal is fused, use a special battery cable removal tool to get it loose. You’ll find these available from dealership parts departments and general auto parts stores.

Once you’ve properly prepared, follow these steps to safely remove your battery:

• Find the negative terminal. It should have a black plastic cover or a minus sign and will be located either on the post or in close proximity.
• Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with a wrench or pliers and hold it still.
• Use other pliers or wrench to remove the nut, then pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery.
• Repeat the above step for the positive cable, taking care that the two battery cables do not 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 straight out of the bracket. Keep in mind that it may weigh up to 40 pounds.

If you want to avoid breakdowns between Woodridge and Countryside or failed starts in Naperville, you should know how to remove a car battery. Contact us today for additional advice or assistance like how to replace the battery in the Nissan key fob — you can also schedule auto service if you’d prefer to leave this to a professional.