Repair And Fix it

A car battery does not last forever, and you will need to get a new one at some point. In most cars, the battery is visible as soon as you pop the hood and look inside the engine compartment. On the Chevrolet Equinox, the battery is in its own separate compartment. But replacing the battery is a fairly simple task, so save yourself some money and do the job yourself.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the battery compartment. It sits under the computer module on the drivers side, near the fender apron.

2

Unsnap the clips on the computer module and lift it away from the battery compartment. Lay it off to the side.

3

Remove the three Phillips screws holding the battery cover in place. Lift the cover off and set it aside.

4

Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables with a wrench. Lift the battery out of the compartment and set it aside.

5

Place the new battery in the compartment. Connect the positive and negative battery cables.

6

Reposition the cover on the battery compartment. Tighten the three Phillips screws. Dont overtighten the screws or you will damage the threads.

7

Reposition the computer module and make sure it locks into place.

Dead batteries are often thrown out, which can lead to buying unnecessary replacements. Most batteries can be reconditioned, which will get them back to full strength so that they can be used again.

Types

If a battery is known to be rechargeable, then it likely can be reconditioned. There are several types of batteries that can be reconditioned, such as lead acid batteries. Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries can also be reconditioned.

Method

The method for reconditioning a battery will vary according to battery type. For example, sulfur build up keeps lead acid batteries from working correctly. Because of this, they can be reconditioned using Epson salt. After the salt is heated, it is poured into the battery to clean out the sulfur.

Warning

Some batteries, such as the Li-Ion type, may require that you contact its manufacturer before attempting to recondition it. Using the wrong procedure to recondition a battery could damage it beyond repair.

Often, if your vehicle will not start, the first thing to examine is the battery. Vehicles require a battery to not only start the car, but also to run the accessories such as the headlights and interior lights. While the car is running, the alternator charges the battery so that it can continue to function. If headlights or interior lights are left on for a prolonged period of time while the car is off, it could drain the battery. A dead battery can be recharged using another car or an automatic battery charger, which requires an electrical outlet.

Instructions

1

Add enough water to the battery cells so that the battery acid covers the internal plates. Refer to the documentation included with your battery or contact the battery manufacturer for specific instructions on adding water to the battery.

2

Ensure that the automatic battery charger is set to the "Off" position and that all accessories in the vehicle are switched to the "Off" position.

3

Clip the red connection to the positive terminal on the battery. The positive terminal is marked with a "+" sign and is typically red.

4

Clip the black connection to the frame of the vehicle or to the vehicles engine block.

5

Set the voltage and rate switches to the proper settings if the charger has this function. Look on the battery, or contact the battery manufacturer for the proper settings for your particular battery.

6

Plug the automatic battery charger into the grounded outlet, then turn the device to the "On" position. Allow the charger to charge the battery until the meter on the automatic battery charger shows that the battery is charged. Do not at any point touch the clips or the battery while the battery is charging. A chart containing the recommended charge times for specific types of batteries has been included in the References section.

7

Turn the automatic battery charger to the "Off" position once the battery is charged, then unplug the unit from the grounded electrical outlet.

8

Disconnect the charger from the battery and car and attempt to start the vehicle.

If the power doors on your Toyota Sienna stick or stop responding, you may need to recalibrate the doors by resetting the power door system. You can reset the power door system at home to save the time spent at a dealership service center. Resetting the system will reprogram the battery and computer chip so that the doors respond to the door controls.

Instructions

1

Press the sliding door control button on the Siennas dashboard so that the red line on the button is illuminated. Close the sliding doors.

2

Raise the hood of the van, and disconnect the negative ("-") battery cable with a wrench. Wait 3 to 5 minutes, then reconnect the cable.

3

Press the "Open" button on the remote key fob to open the sliding doors. Close the door. Wait 10 seconds, then open the door with the remote again.

4

Close the door, and wait 10 seconds. Open the door with the remote a third time. Once the third cycle completes, the power door battery is reset.

The battery may be the most important part of your Toyota RAV4. The battery helps to run the engine, maintain the lighting system and power heating and cooling elements. The RAV4s battery specifications contain important dimensions, battery life and warranty details to prepare you for your next trip or commute.

Details

The RAV4 battery is 7.68 inches wide by 5.16 long and 7.13 inches tall. The battery weighs 23.15 pounds and contains 12 volts of power. This includes 35 AH rate capacity. The bolt terminal type is an M8 nut. The battery is heat and vibration resistant. It also features a non-spillable design to avoid contact with battery acid. The batter can be mounted anywhere where the vehicle holds the battery housing.

Warranty

Batteries such as the APW offer a labor and material warranty for 12 months. The APW brand offers an extended warranty for an extra cost. The Duralast is also a battery that can fit into a RAV4 and offers a standard one-year warranty similar to the APW. Extended warranties often cover the replacement of the battery but not labor for replacement.

Battery Replacement

The Toyota RAV4 battery will last for about four years. High-quality batteries should be used if you own a recent model RAV4 because of added electrical features, including navigation systems and power outlets. Before replacing a battery, check the charging system. RAV4 batteries are available for model years 1986 to present.

The 2002 BMW X5 battery is located in the trunk, beneath the spare tire. When you need to replace the battery in your X5, you need to remove the spare tire from the trunk to access it. Buy a replacement battery from an auto parts retailer or BMW dealer. Change the battery yourself at home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a mechanic do the job.

Instructions

1

Remove the key from the ignition. Open the trunk of the X5.

2

Lift up the carpet lining above the spare tire. Remove the four retaining nuts around the center of the spare tire with a 10-mm socket attached to a ratchet.

3

Lift the spare tire out of the trunk. Remove the bolts on each end of the crossbar over the battery with a 13-mm socket and ratchet. Lift the crossbar out of the trunk. Loosen the negative battery cable with a 10-mm socket and ratchet. Remove the cable from the battery. Repeat the process on the positive cable.

4

Lift the battery out of the trunk. Insert the new battery in the same alignment as the old one. Attach the positive battery cable and tighten it with the 10-mm socket and ratchet. Repeat the process with the negative cable. Replace the crossbar and secure the bolts with a 13-mm socket and ratchet.

5

Replace the spare tire. Secure the retaining nuts with a 10-mm socket and ratchet set. Replace the carpet over the spare tire area and close the trunk.

Motorcycle batteries, unlike car and marine batteries, require routine maintenance. Most motorcycle batteries are vented, meaning battery acid can breathe from a small tube if the battery gets too hot or the bike tips over. When a new battery is required, its best to look for a sealed alternative to the older vented-style battery -- they require less maintenance and typically last longer. Changing the battery should pose few problems, even for the novice motorcycle mechanic.

Instructions

Remove Seat

1

Locate the key slot on the side of the bike just below the seat.

2

Insert the ignition key and turn it with one hand while lifting up gently on the back of the seat. The seat should lift freely once the key is turned.

3

Remove the seat and set it aside, then pull the battery cover to the side to reveal the battery terminals.

4

Close the battery pliers around the nut securing the negative (black) battery terminal and turn it counterclockwise until the nut spins freely. Lift the negative battery lead off the terminal and place it to the side. Repeat for the positive terminal. Note: When using metal pliers, make sure the pliers do not come into contact with any other metal parts on the motorcycle. Sparking and battery explosion could occur.

5

Lift out the dead battery and discard it according to your trash haulers recommendation. Insert the new battery facing the same direction and reinstall it by following steps 4 and 3 in reverse.

The 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP was a sub-version of the standard Grand Prix. It featured a 3.8-liter engine with a Super Charger to upgrade the vehicle to a muscle car. Replacing the battery on one version of the 1998 Grand Prix is the same as on any other in the series. Tightly fit behind the passenger-side headlight, the battery is fairly heavy and requires a little finagling to remove it from its tray.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

2

Put on the safety goggles and mechanics gloves.

3

Remove the four upper engine cross member retaining bolts that run from the passenger-side fender rail to the grille using a ratchet and a socket.

4

Place the extension on the ratchet and use a suitable socket to reach and remove the battery hold-down wedge bolt. Reach down between the battery and engine cradle to remove both the retaining bolt and hold-down wedge.

5

Remove the negative battery terminal bolt with an 8 mm box-end wrench by turning it counterclockwise (to the right since the terminal bolt is on the inside of the battery casing). All car batteries should be ungrounded by removing the negative battery terminal first to prevent sparks (which can result in igniting hydrogen gases the battery may be emitting, causing the battery to explode).

6

Remove the red cover (if applicable) from the positive battery side post terminal and then remove the terminal bolt with the box-end wrench (again turning it to the right).

7

Remove the battery from the battery tray. Some batteries may offer an upper handle to manage the battery better. If not, tip the battery slightly towards the back of the engine and grasp it from each side. Batteries that are not equipped with handles tend to offer small shelves in either side of the battery for grasping.

8

Install the new battery by reversing the procedure. Be sure to connect the red positive terminal bolt first and the black terminal bolt last to prevent sparking.

9

Replace and tighten the battery hold-down wedge and retaining bolt and then replace the cross-member and retaining bolts by reversing the removal procedures.

Battery chargers perform a fairly simple task: convert alternating-current power to direct-current and transfer that energy to a battery. But this is a multidimensional challenge, since household current is 115 volts and upward of 200 amps, while the battery itself only needs 12 to 14 volts and 2 to 10 amps. The chargers control system is similar to that of an automotive alternator, but the control strategy varies by manufacturer and unit quality.

Ohms Law

Ohms Law got its name from Georg Ohm, the 18th century German physicist who defined electrical resistance as we know it today. Using the electrochemical cell pioneered by Italian count Assandro Volta (guess what got his name), Ohm quantified the proportional difference between voltage applied to a conductor and the resultant electrical current. The difference (or loss) within the circuit is its resistance in Ohms. Ohms basic law states that current in amperes flowing through a conductor equals the voltage applied across the circuit divided by its resistance in Ohms. In mathematical shorthand, the formula is " I = V / R", where "I" equals current in amperes, "V" equals volts and "R" equals resistance in ohms.

Consequences of Varying Resistance

Installing a resistor in-line between a power source and an accessory does have consequences. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can never appear or disappear; it can only change forms. If you install an electric motor into an electrical circuit, the electrical energy turns into kinetic energy (movement); install a light bulb and the electrical energy turns into light. But not all of that energy will convert completely; a certain amount of it will get "stuck" in the devices internal resistance and bounce around to produce heat. If you increase resistance in the circuit by installing a higher-resistance material such as graphite or ceramic, the excess current will vibrate around in the material and cause it to heat up.

Varying Load

The other way to limit amperage through a circuit is to limit its amp draw, or the load that its physically capable of pulling without a resistor in line. The tiny motor in your electric razor blade will only draw a few milli-amps regardless of whether you connect it to a triple-A battery or a nuclear reactor. Thats because the diameter of the wires in the motor will only pass a certain amount of current. You can think of the wiring diameter as a hole in a bucket of water; a bigger hole will pass more water and a smaller one will pass less. You can shove more water through by increasing the water pressure (similar to increasing voltage in the electrical circuit), but the big hole will always flow more at a given pressure.

Battery Charger Strategy

Battery chargers will typically use either a load-varying approach or a combination of load-varying and resistance-varying. A high-quality charger will use multiple circuits with varying load draws to transfer power from the input to the output. When you flip the switch from a 10-amp quick-charge to a 2-amp trickle-charge, the charger will switch to a lower-draw circuit. Cheap chargers will typically use a calibrated circuit to maintain the maximum 10-amp quick-charge; flipping the switch to a 2-amp trickle-charge will re-route power through a higher resistance diode or resistor that absorbs the additional 8 amps, which is why cheap chargers will typically get far hotter under trickle charge than more expensive ones. This heat both reduces component life and wastes electricity.

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, the alternator is one of the most important components in the engine. It acts as a generator to keep the battery charged while the engine is running, and controls the flow of electricity to the various electrical components of the engine. Over time, the alternator can suffer damage from wear and tear, and you many need to install a new one in order to keep your vehicle running properly.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a flat surface and shut off the engine. Set the parking brake. Allow the engine to completely cool (30 minutes to an hour) and open the hood. Refer to the belt diagram on the underside of the hood or the radiator shroud cover to locate the exact installation area for the new alternator. Disconnect the negative battery connector with a wrench or socket.

2

Disconnect all of the wires to the old alternator. Follow the instructions on the diagram chart to locate and loosen the serpentine belt tensioner pulley that holds the belt tight in place, as this same belt attaches to the alternator. Use the socket and ratchet to loosen the tensioner pulley and slide the belt off. Take the now slack belt and remove it from the alternator. Loosen the bolts holding the mounting bracket for the alternator with a socket or wrench and remove the old alternator.

3

Install the new alternator. Mount it in place of the old alternator and replace the mounting brackets. Tighten the bolts in place with a socket or wrench. Reattach the wiring to the new alternator, but save the positive and negative connections for later. Slide the serpentine belt over the alternator pulley and adjust the tensioner pulley to slide the belt back in place over it. Adjust the tension on the belt until it is tight.

4

Connect the positive and negative connectors from the alternator to the battery of the car. Reattach the negative battery lead. Remove all of your tools from the engine and close the hood. Start the car and allow it to run for several minutes to ensure the belt and alternator are installed correctly.

Schumacher has been producing automotive electrical products since 1946. Its an official supplier for the NASCAR auto racing brand and produces chargers, jump starters and inverters for NASCAR. Schumacher battery chargers are designed to work automatically, however issues can include the meter not working, noises and the charger not turning on. These kinds of problems can be rectified.

Instructions

1

Jiggle the clips and rock the clips backwards and forwards if theres no meter reading. The clips arent making proper contact.

2

Try a different AC power outlet if the charger wont turn on when its connected. You can try another appliance -- a worklight, for example -- and see if that works. If the worklight wont come on, the problem is with the wall outlet, not the Schumacher charger. If the lamp comes on, try the charger again and wiggle the connections.

3

Allow the charging to continue for up to 20 minutes if the charger makes clicking noises. The clicking can be the circuit breaker cycling and can indicate a defective battery, or a very discharged battery that isnt defective. If the clicking doesnt stops after about 20 minutes, the battery may well be bad and you should replace it.

4

Shut off the charger and reverse the battery connections if the battery has been replaced and the clicking continues. The leads are on the wrong poles.

Interstate Battery was founded in 1952. The companys mission statement explains its aim to supply customers with "top quality, value-priced batteries, related electrical power-source products, and distribution services." In addition, the company strives to provide partners and employees with profitable and rewarding experiences. As of late 2010, Interstate Battery is a privately held company.

Products

Interstate Battery sells a battery product for almost every consumer need. The "PowerCare" division sells generators and backup power systems. The MotiveCare division sells more than 15 million replacement batteries for cars, trucks, boats, lawn mowers and other motor-driven vehicles a year. Interstate also has a dry-cell and alkaline battery line for other replacement battery needs.

Distributors

Interstate has a network 300 wholesale warehouses in order to keep its product ready for sale. These warehouses stock more than 200,000 dealers in every U.S. state except Wyoming and Rhode Island. Outside the U.S., Interstate stocks dealers in Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Guyana and Panama.

All Battery Centers

In an effort to bring consumers a one-stop shop to meet an ever-growing need for replacement batteries, Interstate created an "Every Battery for Every Need" initiative at its "All Battery Centers." At these centers, Interstate sells batteries for cell phones, cordless phones, watches, tools, laptops, cameras, camcorders, toys and remote controls.

Batteries in vehicles often fail to start an engine in cold weather. Each 10 degrees Fahrenheit robs the cranking ability of one- to two-tenths of a volt due to cold temperatures. A battery load tester conducts a test of the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) that the battery requires for starting an engine. Auto parts stores have battery load testers that will charge and test the battery for the minimal voltage on a battery to rule out battery replacement on a vehicle-starting problem.

Instructions

1

Place a flat screwdriver on the negative battery terminal. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen the terminal and pull it straight up to remove. Repeat this process to remove the positive battery terminal.

2

Pull the battery up and out of the vehicle by the center handle. Place the battery near the load tester on a flat surface at a distance the same length as the load tester cables.

3

Pinch the negative black tester cable and open it. Clamp it onto the negative battery terminal. Attach the positive red tester cable to the positive battery terminal in the same manner.

4

Put on safety glasses or goggles.

5

Turn the load control knob clockwise to 100 amps. Hold the knob in this position for 3 seconds and then slowly turn the knob counterclockwise until the needle reads zero for amperage.

6

Observe the voltmeter reading. If it is in the green area, proceed to load test the battery. If the voltmeter is in the red area, it needs charging before proceeding. Charge a battery in the red area until it reaches the green voltmeter area.

7

Turn the load control knob to one-half the CCA of the battery. The battery CCA is printed on the battery. For this example, we will us 700 CCA and turn the knob to 350. The load test will complete in 15 seconds.

8

Observe the voltage reading on the load tester. Compare the reading with the chart on the side of the tool. The battery temperature compensation chart shows the minimum voltage readings for a working battery at a specific temperature. Any reading under the minimum voltage reading indicates a battery that needs replacement.

Prior to replacing a faulty alternator, the battery ground cable needs to be disconnected. If this step is not taken, the battery will still have a live current running through the vehicles electrical system. The potential danger here is that a spark can be ignited when disconnecting the electrical connections from the alternator. Alternators that use fusible links can burn out the link and have to have that component replaced in order for the new alternator to work. Sparks near the battery can also cause flammable gases to ignite and explode, causing serious or even fatal injury.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a flat surface if possible; apply the parking brake, ensure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Open the hood.

2

Locate the battery in the engine compartment (if applicable). Some domestic and foreign vehicles employ a variety of locations for car batteries. Most all batteries are located in the engine compartment, but some vehicles can place the in the wheel wells, under the rear seats or even in the trunk. If necessary, to locate the battery in the specific vehicle, refer to the owners manual and follow the procedure illustrated to obtain access to the battery.

3

Locate the negative battery terminal clamp or bolt. Top-post batteries use a terminal clamp, while side-post batteries use a broad bolt to connect the terminal ends. Most vehicles use a black cable for the negative terminal and a red cable for the positive terminal. However, all batteries have a molded "NEG" or a minus sign (indicating negative) stamped on the battery housing in the vicinity of the terminal end. The positive side will have a "POS" or a plus sign (indicating positive) stamped on the battery housing.

4

Loosen the negative terminal clamps retaining nut from the bolt with a wrench or ratchet and socket by turning it counterclockwise until the terminal clamp is loose enough to wiggle back and forth on the post. For side-post batteries, turn the terminal bolt counterclockwise and remove it from the battery with the terminal end intact with the bolt.

5

Remove the drive belt and then remove the alternator according to vehicle specific repair guidelines. There is no need to disconnect the positive terminal end of the battery since the electrical current is no longer grounded. Once the alternator is replaced, reconnect the drive belt and reconnect the negative battery terminal clamp or bolt and start the engine to test the system.

Battery cable corrosion occurs for many reasons, not the least of which is oxidation, a process hard on humans and metal objects. This especially applies to batteries and cables that add corrosive acids and chemicals to the mix. Besides the composition of the battery, another consideration is the battery posts and cables. Mixing dissimilar metals or certain metals together quickly leads to corroded battery cables.

Galvanic Corrosion

A major cause of corroded cables is the mixing of two dissimilar metals when securing the cable to the battery post, which creates a galvanic reaction between the two metals. Three things must be present for this type of reaction: two dissimilar metals with different electrochemical signatures; an electrical path; and a path for metal ions to move from one metal to the cathodic metal. With this two-way path available -- which is how car batteries work when immersed in an electrolytic solution such as sulfuric acid -- a miniature battery develops with current flowing in one direction and the metal ions moving to the stronger metal. This process forms the corrosion seen around the batterys post and cable end.

Battery Fumes

Any kind of venting of battery fumes in or around the battery cables will cause corrosive buildup on the cable ends. This happens when battery cell covers arent secured tightly, or theres a crack in the battery casing, allowing fumes to escape. When corrosion occurs, your battery has to work harder to provide the amperage necessary to start the car. Corrosion that continues to grow can make its way inside the battery and effectively destroy its ability to hold a charge.

Battery Acid

A cars battery contains acid. Besides helping the battery work to store electricity, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst for corrosion. The acid, when combined with the environment under the hood -- anti-freeze fumes, grease, oil, humidity, dirt and oxygen -- accelerates the corrosion process. Battery cables made from copper are particularly susceptible to corrosion when in contact with sulfuric acid and oxygen.

Prevention

To aid in prevention, ensure cable ends are the same metal as the battery posts. Clean the battery posts with a metal terminal cleaner. For tough cases, use a water-and-baking soda mixture to remove the corrosion, but dont let this concoction enter the battery; this will cause battery failure. Use the brush end of a battery terminal cleaner to hone out the inside of battery cables. After cleaning, apply dielectric grease to the battery posts and cable ends to prevent corrosion buildup. Replace any battery cables that have exposed wires or tears in the sheathing -- these promote corrosion where you cant see it, inside the sheathing itself.

Safety First

When working with a battery, practice safety. Dont smoke around batteries, especially those with the cell covers off; this could lead to explosions. Dont over-tighten battery cable ends -- you could break battery posts. And remove the negative terminal connection before removing the positive to avoid sparks that can ignite fumes.

Sometimes its easy to figure out why your battery is dead because you left the lights on, or accidentally bumped an interior light as you got out and it went unnoticed. But, after the car is jumped and the battery dies again, its clear that you need a new battery or something else is drawing off the battery even when the car is off. Replacing the battery wont fix the problem if your car has a parasitic battery drain. Rather than a costly trip to the mechanic, find the source of the problem yourself with a multimeter, also known as an ammeter.

Instructions

1

Charge your car battery if your car doesnt start. Otherwise proceed to step 3.

2

Let the car sit for at least 20 minutes after recharging the battery so the engine, lights and fuses will be cool.

3

Turn off the radio, unplug any devices from the lighter socket like phone chargers or GPS units.

4

Pop the hood. Remove the keys from the ignition. Check that all interior and exterior lights are off. Get out of the car and shut your door. Check that all the other doors are shut securely.

5

Connect the meter to your cars battery per the manufacturers instructions. Once the meter is in series with the post and clamp, the display will show the current draw from the battery. Now, its time to go searching for the root of the problem.

6

Pop the trunk. Touch the interior light. If the light is hot or warm, that means the light is staying on even when the trunk is closed.

7

Open the glove box. Touch the interior light. If the light is hot or warm, that means the light is staying on even when the box is closed.

8

Pull fuses methodically until you see the number displayed on the meter drop. This means youve found the source of the drain. Put each fuse back in the right socket after pulling it if you found the number didnt go down.

When it comes to troubleshooting the dying battery on your 1984 BMW 318I it can be a bit tricky as there may be several reasons its happening. The most common issues involve manual error or electrical faults.

Alternator Belt

When you own an older vehicle you need to make sure youre keeping up with all maintenance, including tightening or replacing your alternator belt. If your belt is loose it will not crank the alternator properly which, in turn, will not generate electricity for you.

Key-off Drain

This model BMW has a computer on board, so having the ignition in off position and having the key removed should produce very little battery drain. If you hook up a voltmeter to the battery it should read between 20 to 50 milliamps. If its higher, then you may have an electrical device draining your battery when the cars off.

Bad Battery

Battery life is limited, so after several years of owning one if its giving you trouble, the issue just may be a bad battery. Take your car to a local mechanic, or even a parts store, and he will typically test for free and let you know if your battery is bad.

The 2000 Pontiac Montana features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine. The battery is located in the engine compartment behind the passenger side headlight assembly. It fits snugly inside the engine compartment and requires the removal of a cross brace to gain access to the side-post battery. The battery also is very heavy and needs to be maneuvered out of the engine compartment, which can be a challenging task for some people.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the 2000 Pontiac Montana after removing the keys from the ignition (if applicable).

2

Remove the two lower retaining bolts of the passenger-side cross brace on the front radiator frame rail, using the ratchet and a socket. Remove the upper retaining bolt of the cross brace near the passenger-side firewall with a wrench. Remove the cross brace.

3

Remove the black negative terminal bolt from the side post battery using a hand wrench. Remove the red cap (if applicable) from the positive battery terminal and remove the terminal bolt with the wrench.

4

Remove the battery hold-down wedge bolt with the ratchet, extension and socket. Remove the bolt and hold down wedge.

5

Tilt the battery slightly toward the center of the engine and place one hand underneath the left side of the battery and the other hand on the right top. Lift the battery out of the engine compartment.

6

Install the replacement battery into the engine compartment by reversing Step 5.

7

Replace the hold-down wedge and retaining bolt and tighten the bolt.

8

Connect the positive terminal bolt to the battery and hand-thread it into the side post. Tighten the bolt snugly with the wrench.

9

Connect the negative terminal bolt in the same way as the positive terminal bolt in Step 8.

10

Start the engine to test the operation of the battery before replacing the cross brace and retaining bolts.

A portable vehicle jump starting device can be handy if your car has a dead battery. However, the jump starter wont do much good if it, too, is dead. Fortunately, most vehicle battery jump starters, sometimes referred to as battery chargers, come with several options to keep them charged. How you charge your specific battery jump starter will depend on the brand and item you purchased.

Instructions

1

Plug the battery jump starter into a regular wall outlet. Many car battery jump starters and chargers have standard plugs that can connect them to an electrical outlet. These batteries charge using electricity, so the process is similar to plugging your cell phone into its wall-charger.

2

Use your vehicles A/C adapter. You can charge many car battery jump starters by attaching them to the the A/C adapter (cigarette lighter) on your vehicle. Similar to charging a cell phone in a car, the jump starter can draw enough power from your A/C outlet to keep a full charge and will be ready when you need it.

3

Use solar power. Though they are not very common, there are solar-powered car battery chargers that can be used to power your car battery jump starter. These are not typically portable, but they do work for stationary battery charging and jumping.

The battery in the 2006 Chrysler Sebring is located behind the fender by the drivers-side tire. The procedure for replacing the battery in the Sebring is different than it is on many other vehicles. The Sebring has a maintenance-free battery that should not need to be serviced until it is time to replace it. A fully operational battery is vital for keeping the car in good working condition.

Instructions

1

Park the Sebring in a level area. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Turn off the engine.

2

Unscrew the bolts that hold the fender shield in place in front of the driver-side tire. Remove the fender shield.

3

Unscrew the bolt on the negative battery terminal connector. Remove the connector from the negative terminal.

4

Unscrew the bolt on the positive terminal and remove the connector.

5

Loosen the bolt that holds the battery holding arm in place. Move the holding arm out of the way to allow full access to grasp the battery.

6

Lift the battery out of the compartment and set it aside.

7

Insert the new battery into the compartment. Make sure the terminals are positioned in the same way they were on the old battery.

8

Reposition the battery holding arm. Tighten the bolt that holds the arm in place.

9

Replace the positive battery connector to the positive terminal. Tighten the battery connector bolt.

10

Replace the negative battery connector and tighten the connector bolt.

11

Reposition the fender shield. Install the bolts that hold the fender shield in place.