How to properly install a battery in a car

Correct and reliable connection of the battery to the car

A car battery is a power source for the electrical circuits of a car. The main purpose is to supply current to the starter, which starts the engine. After starting the latter, the electrical circuits are powered by a generator. For that. To figure out how to properly connect a battery to a car, you need to familiarize yourself with its structure and consider what types of batteries there are.

Types and design of power supplies

1. Lead-acid battery. This power supply consists of a plastic housing with six cells. The body contains lead plates, and each cell is filled with electrolyte in the form of liquid acid.
2. Under conditions of proper maintenance and operation, the service life reaches 5 years from the date of purchase.
3. Lead non-woven AGM battery. The AGM power source is an advanced lead-acid battery. Thanks to improved characteristics and power, the starting current has increased. The AGM battery has a one-piece closed housing and does not require maintenance. Most often used on electric vehicles.
4. Lead-helium battery. In an ordinary lead-acid battery, the acid is in liquid form in the housing. In a lead-helium battery, sulfuric acid and silica change from a liquid to a gel. This invention is suitable for those who need to use the battery in a lying or inclined position due to conditions associated with the design. The power supply is housed in a closed housing and does not require maintenance.
5. Traction batteries. The most powerful power source, one of the best as of 2019. Used on electric vehicles. Can continuously supply electrical energy to the electric vehicle and withstand multiple charge and discharge cycles. The traction battery provides voltage from 24 V to 96 V and an electrical charging capacity of up to 1000 Ah. The service life is more than 10 years.

How to properly install a battery in a car

In order to install and connect a power source to a car, it is not necessary to go to a service station - this can be done at home or in the garage.

You must adhere to the following rules:

1. When installing a battery, eye protection is a very important factor. If you accidentally mix up the positive and negative cables, the battery may burst when heated, spraying the acid in the case. Latex gloves will protect your hands in case of a leak.
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off and all electronic devices are turned off. A voltage surge will cause electrical equipment failure.
3. Before installing the battery on the car, you need to clean the terminals with baking soda diluted with water. To do this, use a wire brush to remove any corrosion or buildup of dirt and oxide on the terminals. To prepare the solution, add one tablespoon of baking soda (15 ml) to two cups (470 ml) of water. Once cleaning is complete, wipe the terminals and areas of possible contamination with a clean rag.
4. Using the same mixture and a wire brush, clean the terminals that are on the car. Once cleaning is complete, wipe away any remaining residue from the brush and soda, as well as any areas of possible contamination, with a clean rag.
5. Good contact is required between the terminals on the car and the plus and minus on the battery.
6. The positive and negative terminals of the battery, as well as the terminals located on the vehicle, must be lubricated with a special lubricant to prevent corrosion.
7. It is necessary to check and repair any damage or cracks on the wires connecting to the power source. If necessary, replace the wires using a socket wrench of the correct size. You need to distribute the wires so that the negative terminal is next to the minus, and the positive terminal is next to the plus.
8. After all the work has been done, you need to lift the battery and carefully place it in the battery compartment. You need to be extremely careful not to crush your fingers, as the battery is heavy.

How to properly connect a car battery

To turn off the battery, follow these guidelines:

1. To connect the power source, you first need to take the terminal of the positive wire, which comes from the electrical circuits of the car, and put it on the plus of the battery. You need to loosen the nut on the terminal and make sure that the terminal goes all the way down.
2. After this, using a wrench, you need to tighten the terminal with a nut until the terminal becomes motionless. To check, you need to shake the terminal by hand and tighten it again.
3. The negative wire must be installed the same as the positive wire. Place the negative wire with a terminal that fits from the car body and tighten it with a wrench.
4. If any terminal does not reach the battery, this means that the power source is not in the right place. It is necessary to place the battery in its seat.
5. After connecting the two terminals, you need to turn off the alarm and try to start the car. If the car does not start, you need to check the connection on the battery, on the generator, as well as the negative wire to ensure that it is securely attached to the body.

How to properly connect the battery to the car after charging

There are several reasons why a battery discharges. For example, the car was parked with the headlights or other electrical appliances on, or the power source was not used for a long time or was stored at sub-zero temperatures.

There are two ways to charge the battery:

1. The first method is if you don’t have a charger with you, but there is another car nearby that will help you light a cigarette from the battery and start the car. By connecting a cigarette from a working battery with wires plus to plus, minus to minus, the dead power source is connected. After this, you need to start the engine with a full battery, and then try to start the engine of another car. As soon as the second car starts, you need to remove the wires. With the help of a generator, after 30 minutes of driving, the battery will be fully charged.
2. The second way is using a car charger. You need to disconnect the terminals from the power source. First loosen them, then first disconnect the plus, then the minus and connect the charger wires. On the charger, the plus is indicated in red, the minus in black. Connect to the network and wait until the battery is fully charged. The battery charge level is shown by a device located on the charger. The charger is used according to the instructions.

When the power source is fully charged, you need to disconnect the wires from the charger and connect the car terminals to the battery. First connect the positive terminal, and then the negative one.

This video shows how to properly install and connect the battery with your own hands. Every car enthusiast can cope with this problem without the help of car service workers.

Proper connection of the power source to the car is very important in car maintenance. Because if the connection is incorrect, the wiring may catch fire or electrical appliances may fail. To avoid this, you must follow the rules for connecting the battery to the car, and also be sure to follow safety precautions when working with the battery.

How to properly install the battery in the car and connect it

Almost every car owner at some time is faced with a situation where he has to remove a static source of electricity from the car, and then put it back or replace it with another battery. This procedure does not cause any difficulties if everything is done correctly. Just don’t forget that violating the rules can lead to damage to the vehicle’s electrical equipment and the energy source itself. So, how to properly connect the battery to the car?

Preparing to install the battery

Before connecting the battery to the car, determine how charged the battery is. It is better to use a load fork, but if you don’t have one, a regular multimeter will do. At the terminals of the charged product, U = 12.6–12.7 V. It is also recommended to measure the solution with a hydrometer (the norm is density 1.27). If the battery is inoperative, it needs to be charged. You can do it right under the hood by disconnecting the “mass” wire from the negative contact using a “10” wrench. Carry out work outdoors.

Battery replacement

In vehicles, the battery is fixed to the body with clip-plates, bolts, screws, and nuts. So look for a "12" or "13" wrench depending on the size of the locking nuts. If you are installing a new or different battery, prepare it in advance: check the degree of readiness (charge level, solution density), place it next to the machine on a flat surface.

Battery location

Before installing a new battery in your car, find out where the battery is: in the engine compartment or luggage compartment. Sometimes the battery is located under the seat in the cabin. It all depends on the brand of car, but most often the battery is located next to the power unit, closer to the radiator trim, on the right or left.

Compliance with safety precautions and battery removal

Before installing the battery, place wrenches nearby and put on rubber or cotton gloves. Please note: the product weighs more than 10 kg, so be careful. Just in case the acid spills, prepare a soda solution to neutralize it. Now it’s worth mentioning advanced electronic equipment, which equipment (especially imported ones) is often crammed to the very roof. If you have a car with airbags, check the instructions. After removing the ignition key, the ignition cartridge remains ready for another 5–8 minutes (check the time in the manual). Therefore, you need to wait for the specified period.

The second nuance lies in the on-board computer. A serious failure is possible if you deprive it of electricity. To prevent such troubles, use a portable charger in advance, which will power the electrical equipment of the equipment while you remove the old battery and attach the new one. Mobile chargers come with alligator clips or operate through a cigarette lighter. In the latter case, everything is much simpler: insert the plug into the socket and calmly disconnect the battery. Further actions:

1. Unscrew, but not completely, the fastening of the negative wire.
2. Carry out a similar operation with the “positive” wire from the starter.
3. Unscrew or loosen, depending on the design, the nut (or bolts) securing the battery to the car body.

Why is the ground terminal removed initially? It’s simple: if you start unscrewing the nut of the “plus” wire, there is a risk of the key touching the metal parts of the car, which will eventually cause a short circuit. When removing the battery, immediately place it on the floor or other flat place (table); do not use the car fender as a “transit”: the paintwork will be scratched.

External inspection of the battery

Inspect the product from all sides. There should be no liquid leaks on the body, indicating cracks. If they are very small, seal them with acid-resistant plastic. But if there is serious damage, the battery will have to be disposed of. If the removed battery is to be used in the future, wipe it with a dry cloth. The same must be done with the niche for the battery. Now all that remains is to figure out how to properly install the battery in the car.

Battery installation

How to put a battery in a car? When the battery is ready for service, clean it from dirt. It is advisable to treat it with a soda solution (a teaspoon per 200 g of water) to neutralize the electrolyte. The latter can remain on the surface of the battery cover and create a current “path”, which leads to self-discharge. Now inspect the terminals: they often oxidize, which prevents good contact with the car’s electrical wires. Therefore, sand both the terminals and wire leads. It makes sense to treat the latter with a water-repellent compound.

The next step in installing a new battery on a car is attaching the battery to the body. There is a difference in the methods (there are only 2). How to secure the battery in a car from Europe? This is done by means of a plate placed at the bottom of the case and hooked onto the lower protrusion on the battery. How to install a battery in a car from Asia? These products are secured using a plate that fits onto the top of the battery.

Connection

How to properly connect the battery in a car? Connection to the vehicle's on-board network must be done in the reverse order. First screw the plus wire, then the minus wire. Most car manufacturers make wire ends of different diameters: “+” is always larger - the corresponding battery contact is also larger. Next, use a “10” wrench to tighten the nuts. Strongly, but without fanaticism! And only after that, if you had a power supply connected, disconnect it.

What not to do?

If you know how to connect the battery correctly, it is highly recommended that you do not ignore the safety requirements. When disconnecting or connecting the battery, use rubber gloves and goggles. When dismantling, hold the battery firmly - if necessary, invite an assistant: it is extremely undesirable to turn the battery, even a gel battery, where there is no liquid, or place it on its side. Before connecting the battery in the car, pay attention to the ventilation holes of the maintenance-free battery: they must be cleaned and not clogged with dirt. If you need to increase the density of the solution, do not pour acid at negative temperatures: it is advisable to perform all operations with the battery at +20°C.

How to properly remove and connect the battery in a car?

The interaction of components in a car provides the driver and his passengers with comfort and safety. But if something goes wrong, the car needs professional help.

The battery in a car is of great importance, allowing the car to drive on the road at night, illuminating the road ahead. In addition to lighting and signaling to other road users, the battery performs other functions - for example, starting the engine. Of course, such a demand for the electrical element in question leads to the need to replace the battery. And although it is not necessary to go to a service station to replace it, it is worth following a clear sequence of steps.

How to properly remove the battery?

Before disconnecting the battery, you will need to take precautions. It is worth knowing that the battery in a car contains an amount of energy that can cause fatal injury to a person! Moreover, the battery contains corrosive substances that can produce flammable gas.

If you want to understand the question of how to properly remove the battery from a car, prepare the necessary tools and materials. For work you will need: a wrench extension, a set of attachments, safety glasses and gloves, an old toothbrush, a tray, clamps, water and baking soda. Before starting work, turn off the ignition and wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.

Next, follow the established sequence:

1. First you will need to find the negative terminal on the battery, which often stands out due to its black coating. Often the negative terminal is indicated by a “-” sign. Accordingly, the positive terminal is indicated by the symbol “+”
2. Determine which attachment you will need. Size matters if you need to unscrew the nut from the negative terminal. First the negative terminal is disconnected
3. Take the nozzle and place it on the nut located next to the negative terminal. Estimate the size of the socket for loosening the nut. The attachment fits onto the wrench, which may require a wrench extension.
4. Turn the key counterclockwise. Disconnect the negative wire so that it does not touch the terminal
5. Similar actions are performed with the nut on the positive terminal. After disconnecting the positive wire from the terminal, do not allow its bare end to come into contact with the metal surfaces of the car.
6. After turning off the power to the battery, disconnect the fastener, and then lift the battery from the compartment. Make sure you get outside help first, as the battery weighs up to 20 kilograms
7. Clean the compartment with a toothbrush and baking soda, then let the area dry

After completing the above steps, you can begin installing a new unit and then connecting the battery.

How to connect a new battery?

Now let's look at how to properly connect the battery in a car. Make proper preparations before starting installation. Remove dirt, dust and other debris from the corresponding connector, and then clean the internal surfaces of the wire tips using fine-grained sandpaper.

Before installing a new battery pack, you need to clean the terminals. The installation sequence for a new battery is no different from installing the old unit. Place the pressure plate on and then tighten the clamp bolts. Perform the work carefully so as not to damage the integrity of the product. To connect the battery, use the following algorithm:

1. Follow the reverse sequence of steps when installing the battery. Connect the "+" wire to the corresponding terminal first, and then connect the "-" wire to the negative terminal.
2. Some manufacturers, for safety reasons, make terminals of different diameters, thereby preventing accidental confusion when connecting wires to terminals.
3. Tighten the mounting nuts firmly using a wrench.

It is most often necessary to install a new battery pack due to the exhausted resource of the old one. If you are not confident in your own abilities and skills in working with the tool, use the support of the technical center staff.

Recommendations from professionals

Carry out work in an open space, since gases do not accumulate outside. It is advisable to remove jewelry, including rings and bracelets. Use personal protective equipment - dielectric gloves and safety glasses. The wires should be placed as far as possible from the battery. This is necessary in order to prevent wires from getting into terminals and metal parts of the car.

Note that after disconnecting the wire from the positive terminal, the residual current can harm the operation of the car's electrics if the wire touches the metal surface of the body. This may also cause a short circuit.

Remember that standard car batteries can generate current up to hundreds of amperes, which is equivalent to charging a welding machine.

The batteries in hybrid cars can produce 300 volts of energy, which means the current is dangerous to human life and health. Wiring is often differentiated by color. You can reduce the risk of electric shock if you wear gloves and insulated tools.

What is extremely undesirable to do?

Adhere to certain security measures to protect yourself from possible troubles and financial waste. Do not perform actions that could damage the battery housing. Do not tilt or overturn the battery. Also, do not damage the filler plugs or necks.

Do not add acid or store a discharged battery, especially at sub-zero temperatures. By damaging the contacts, you risk incurring additional costs by damaging the equipment. Be careful when working to remove and connect the battery in your vehicle.

How to properly install a battery in a car

During vehicle operation, car owners usually install the battery themselves. As a rule, they are guided in their actions by intuitive skills, neglecting technical requirements and safety standards. Improper installation of the battery can cause damage not only to the vehicle, but also to your own health.

What you need to install the battery in the car

Before installing the battery, you need to prepare the necessary tools and consumables for installation work.

Depending on the car model, technical condition of the battery, and the condition of the terminals, the standard battery installation kit includes:

• open-end or socket wrenches for 10 and 13 (other options are possible);
• pliers;
• assembly knife (for stripping wires);
• sandpaper (fine and coarse - for cleaning contacts and terminals);
• special means for treating contacts and terminals in order to prevent their corrosion (you can use lithol, grease or silicone grease in the form of a spray);
• personal protective equipment (see next section);
• multimeter for monitoring battery charge voltage.

Safety precautions

The main dangerous factors when working with a battery are:

• the possibility of large currents flowing in the event of a short circuit, sparking and overheating of live parts (tools);
• aggressive chemical properties of the electrolyte;
• large battery mass.

Considering the above hazards, the following safety precautions must be observed when installing the battery:

• strictly follow the installation process;
• use work clothes made from natural materials;
• shoes should be hard (boots, work boots);
• Use rubber gloves and safety glasses as personal protective equipment (protection against electrolyte getting on the body and eyes in case of unforeseen circumstances).

Preparatory work

Before installing the battery in the car’s original location, it is necessary to carry out a set of preparatory work:

1. Clean the normal installation location of the battery from dirt, dust, and foreign objects. If you decide to install a battery of higher power, then you need to make sure that the mounting dimensions match. Please note that during operation the battery must be well ventilated and cooled. Otherwise, it may boil, especially in the warm season. Therefore, you should not literally “shove” the battery under the hood.
2. Check the battery voltage and electrolyte level (in the serviced version). The voltage measured with a multimeter should be between 12.6 and 12.9 Volts. If it is less than the lower threshold, the battery should be recharged. This is easier to do in stationary conditions than in a car.

If you are installing a used battery, it is advisable to check the density of the electrolyte. At a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius it should be in the range from 1.26 to 1.30 grams per cubic centimeter. To control density, you must use a hydrometer.

If you purchased a battery of questionable quality, you can check its starting current. This is done using a special loading fork. Many sellers make a control current measurement before transferring the goods to the buyer, and this is correct.

1. Assess the quality of contacts and terminals. If necessary, they must be cleaned: first with coarse, then fine sandpaper. If it is missing, you can strip it with a knife. The starting current depends on the quality of the contact - this is one of the main characteristics of the battery.

How to put a battery in a car

To avoid short circuits and damage to the vehicle’s electrical equipment, the battery should be installed strictly following the following sequence of work:

1. Install the battery in its original place. Check that the polarity of the terminals corresponds to the plus and minus positions on the battery. When installing in the dark, you can use the embossed + and – markings on the battery. In addition, you should know that the positive terminal of the battery is thicker (19.5 mm) than the negative terminal (17.5 mm). Three-level protection against polarity reversal is not accidental. If you install the battery in reverse polarity, half of the fuses will burn out, the generator will fail, and there may be serious problems with the car’s electronics.
2. Secure the battery to its original location using a bracket or bracket.
3. Install a gas outlet on the battery, if available. A gas outlet is usually installed if the battery is located in the passenger compartment or trunk. It is designed to remove gaseous products of charge-discharge processes from the battery.
4. Connect the terminals. Connection sequence:
   • place the positive terminal first (in this case, if the key that secures the terminal comes into contact with the ground of the car, there will be no short circuit, since the negative contact is still disconnected);
   • install and secure the negative terminal.

1. Perform a test run of the engine.
2. Treat contacts and terminals to prevent further corrosion.

Which terminal to put first on the battery: The positive terminal is connected first, and then the negative one. It is important not to confuse!

What to do if the car won't start

If the engine does not start due to poor starting of the starter, you should check the quality of the contacts at the battery terminals, clean them again and connect them. If this does not help, check the connection of the negative terminal to the car body and engine frame. It is possible that during dismantling or installation work the contacts at these connections became loose.

This situation is possible if the car is equipped with a battery of smaller capacity or with a longer service life. In such a situation, you should replace the battery with a new one.

Failure to start the engine is possible due to software failures in the car electronics associated with the discharge or disconnection of the battery. In this case, you can try removing the negative terminal of the battery for 15 - 20 minutes, then reconnecting it.

If replacing the battery is associated with long-term parking or battery discharge as a result of leaving the ignition in the on position, malfunctions in the immobilizer system are possible. In such a situation, it is extremely difficult to start the engine without the help of a specialist.

Startup failure may be due to the car alarm triggering in abnormal mode. You can try to restart it according to the instructions.

How to restore settings after connecting the battery

In some cars, after reconnecting the battery, the settings of the on-board computer, car radio, other electronic devices and additional equipment are reset. An error message may appear on the dashboard.

In this case, you need to connect the car to a diagnostic scanner, read and delete all errors. As a rule, errors associated with low voltage on-board network will then be deleted. Other settings, such as car radios, will have to be restored manually.

Still have questions about installing the battery or have something to add? Then write to us about it in the comments, this will make the material more useful, complete and accurate.

How to properly connect the battery to a car

Car batteries have to be changed periodically, but this procedure does not require a mandatory visit to a service station. After all, the process of replacing the battery is quite simple and can easily be carried out by the car owner independently.

First you need to find out which terminal is positive and which is negative. There is a marking on the battery for this purpose. The color of the wires will also help. Black is “minus”, and red is “plus”. negative wire should be removed first After all, it is connected to the “ground” of the car, that is, to its body, so deactivating it eliminates the risk of a short circuit.

Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the nut of the terminal coupling bolt, and then shake the terminal from side to side. It should be removed from the negative terminal of the battery.

Next you can proceed to the positive terminal.

Car battery replacement technology

After purchasing a new battery, you need to install it in its regular place in the car. Experienced car owners know where the battery is located and how it is attached to the car body. For beginners, it is better to read the machine’s operating manual to quickly determine these nuances.

A necessary tool.

Tools must be prepared before all work begins. Although dismantling an old battery is not a difficult operation, it will not be successful without tools. Most often, this will require a pair of wrenches: 10 open-end type, as well as 13 socket type with a wrench. But it’s better to look at the battery connection or in the manual. It is quite possible that on a particular model, the battery terminals and the battery itself are secured using different bolts and nuts.

Determining the location of the battery

Next, you can open the hood and find the battery underneath. Most often it is installed on a special shelf in the left or right corner of the engine compartment. If the battery is not detected, then it’s worth looking better. But maybe it really isn't under the hood. Sometimes, saving space, manufacturers mount batteries under seats, in the trunk and other places. Again, the machine's operating manual will help.

Maintaining safety when connecting the battery

So, the battery has been detected, and the tool is ready. But it is necessary to remember every minute about the safety of personal and automotive electrical appliances. The ignition key must be moved to the zero position or simply removed from the lock.

External inspection of the installed battery

An old battery may be damaged and there is a risk of burns. After all, battery electrolyte is nothing more than diluted sulfuric acid. Therefore, if there are cracks on the battery, no plugs, or drips on the surface of the battery, it is better to wear thick rubber gloves.

Disconnecting the terminals from the battery

Removing the battery

To remove the battery, you must remove its fasteners. Most often it is held on a special shelf using a pressure plate on a pair of tightening bolts. To unscrew them you need a socket type wrench. Although sometimes a cap will help. It must be remembered that the battery is heavy (14-17 kg), so removal is carried out with caution.

Installation of a new battery.

Remove accumulated dirt and other debris from the shelf, and then clean the internal surfaces of the wire lugs using fine-grained sandpaper. By ensuring excellent contact with the terminals, you can solve a lot of future problems in one fell swoop. Some car enthusiasts prefer to treat the wires with a water-repellent mixture.

Before installing a new battery, you should also clean its terminals. The new battery must be installed in the same way as the old one. Next, put on the pressure plate, and then tighten the clamp bolts. At the same time, you should not over-press them, because you can damage the battery.

Connecting a new battery to the car

When connecting, you must follow the reverse sequence of actions. First, connect the “positive” wire, and then the “negative” one.

It is worth noting that manufacturers specifically draw conclusions for batteries of different diameters. This protects against accidental reversal of the poles. As a result, the terminals simply do not fit and are not secured to the wrong terminals.

With these simple steps you can replace the old battery with a new one.