As powerful as batteries can be nowadays, there comes a time in a vehicle's life when the battery must be placed. Batteries can fail for many reasons, primarily age and constant wear being the most common symptoms of weak or failed batteries. Batteries can suffer from neglect and improper maintenance, which can lead to poor performance and failure. Finding a replacement battery can be just as important as installing one. Your vehicle's specifications and accessory load have to be considered before the purchase. Cable ends and wires must be serviced or replaced. With knowledge and forethought, any truck owner can perform a competent battery replacement with a few tools and tips.
Choose your battery, if you have to buy a new replacement, with the same care that you would purchase a new vehicle. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended size and performance ratings, and make certain it lists your truck's requirement. Do not purchase a car battery for a truck. Consider upgrading the recommended battery to one that carries more cold cranking amps. If your truck requires 600 cold cranking amps, for instance, note that if you have added extra accessories like a powerful stereo amp, fog lights or any other aftermarket component. Upgrade to an 800-amp output battery. Determine if you want a maintenance-free—sealed—battery or one that comes with standard removable caps. "Deep cycle" batteries have longer cranking durations and do better with mid-size or large trucks. Some high-performance batteries have yellow tops, indicating their higher quality performance ratings.
Place the vehicle in park or neutral with the emergency brake set. Raise the hood. Use the appropriate end wrench or socket to remove the cinch nuts on the negative and positive battery cables. Remove any battery cover box by removing the screws with a screwdriver, or unsnap the clips. Remove the battery hold-down device, which can be a top strut or bottom lip plate. Lift the old battery from the battery box and set it aside.
Use an engine cleaner solvent and brush to clean the inside of the battery box. Remove all oil, dirt and battery acid residue. Rinse and let dry. Paint the box with a spray can of flat black to protect the metal.
Use a battery terminal cleaner tool to clean the insides and outside of the battery cable ends. Replace both battery cables at this time if they show age, cracking or splits. Make sure the cable cinch nuts and bolts have good threads or replace them.
Install the battery cables onto their respective posts—black to black and red to red. Tighten them with the correct end wrench. If you wish to install felt battery washers, place them over the battery post before you install the battery cable ends. Battery washers absorb excess moisture and battery acid. Spray a thick coating of battery sealant, or apply grease, on the cable ends to protect them.
Reinstall the battery hold-down device with the proper socket. Replace the battery box cover, if so equipped. Start the vehicle several times with all accessories on.
