Car batteries, if they are properly maintained, can last four to six years. However, other factors, such as extreme temperatures and allowing the battery to drain, can shorten a battery’s life. If you find that the battery on your 2002 Buick LeSabre is no longer working as it should, you will need to replace it. This should not prove to be a difficult task. As long as you have a few simple, everyday tools, a replacement battery and a little extra time, you will be able to remove the old battery and install a new one all on your own.
Place your Buick in “Park,” turn off the ignition switch and pull the emergency brake. You needn’t worry about opening the hood on your ‘02 LeSabre, as the battery is located under the rear passenger seat.
Pull up on the front of the rear seat cushion. This will release the front hooks holding the cushions in place. Then move the cushion up and out toward the front of your LeSabre.
Unsnap the ventilation hose from the battery, remove any plastic shields that are covering the terminals and loosen the bracket holding the battery in place.
Use your crescent wrench to loosen the nut holding the positive clamp on the battery post. Loosen it just enough so that you’re able to pull the cable free. Carefully tuck the cable to the side and loosen/remove the negative clamp in the same fashion.
Lift your old battery out of the compartment and replace it with the new battery. Be sure you position the battery in the same manner, with the positive post next to the positive cable.
Attach the positive clamp to the positive post and the negative clamp to the negative post. Tighten the clamps with your wrench, ensuring that the connections are secure. Also, reattach the plastic shields. It’s important that you snap the ventilation line back into place as well.
Replace the rear seat cushion. Thread the seatbelts through the proper slots, making sure you do not get them twisted. Then press down on the seat until you hear or feel it click into place.
