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How to Change a Jeep Battery: Jeep Battery Change Guide

How to Change a Jeep Battery: Jeep Battery Change Guide

Changing a battery in a Jeep is an easy job that requires few tools and no obstructions to remove beforehand. Once a few screws are loosened and the terminals are set to the side, you can wrench it out and get a new replacement. So how do you change the battery on a Jeep?

To change a Jeep battery, make sure the engine is off and the keys are out of the ignition. Pop the hood and remove the terminals from the battery. Some models will have a clamp or battery tie down that will need to be removed before you can swap the battery.

Using batteries and tools requires a safety plan and items to protect you and your car from accidents. A simple job like replacing the battery can be a nightmare if there’s a leaking casing or, even worse, an explosion. Don’t fret! If you follow safety precautions, you should be just fine! So read on and learn all you need to know about changing the battery in a Jeep.

How do I Take the Battery out of my Jeep?

A great thing to remember about Jeeps is that the battery boxes are often located at the front of the engine bay. You should have the new one waiting nearby when you take it out. Don’t remove the battery without cleaning the battery tray, or there could be issues with the installation of the new ones.

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Removing the Battery is a Breeze if you Have the Correct Tools

One of the first things you need to do when changing the battery in your Jeep is to get rid of the old one. By replacing, or upgrading, your battery, you improve the overall performance of your Jeep and create a stable platform to add more electronics and options you might not have had before.

Here’s a video walk-through of changing a Jeep battery, with written steps below:

The steps to taking out the battery in your Jeep are as follows:

  • Pop the Hood – You can’t get to the battery without popping the hood. Depending on your Jeep type, there could be several ways to open the hood. For Wranglers, you should detach the clamps on the hood and unlatch the handle beneath. For other types, you should pop the hood with the handle under the dash and open the latch on the hood.
  • Use the Prop – Underneath the hood on most Jeep models is a prop that will allow the hood to stay up while you are working. It is often a wire-framed metal stick with a plastic head that attaches to the hood—angle the hood wide enough for you to work inside the engine bay.
  • Remove the Terminals – Ensure the ignition switch is turned off before working with the battery. When the hood is in a position where you can work, you should concentrate on the battery terminals. Take a socket and loosen the terminals before prying them off with a pry bar or flathead screwdriver. Set them to the side, away from the battery.
  • Remove the Battery Clamp – Jeeps have a battery clamp with most vehicle models. It helps to hold the battery in the box when moving and bumping down the road. It has a clamp-like attachment to the battery box that must be released by removing the bolts from below.
  • Lift Out the Battery – When the clamp is removed from the battery, it should be free to lift out. However, it could be heavy, and if you are gripping it from a weird angle, you could drop it and damage the battery and your Jeep. Wearing gloves to improve your grip is a good idea.

Removing the battery is only the first half of the equation. Replacing the battery means that you must undertake the process in reverse. You have the tools and parts you need and the know-how to get the job done.

Battery Replacement is a Fun Job that Requires Some Cleaning

Dirt looks good on Jeeps. That is no secret. Muddy Wranglers and Cherokees are a staple on the backroads, but you might not understand the need for certain parts of the Jeep to stay squeaky clean.

So before the reinstall, take the time to clean the battery box and the terminals that attach to the battery. Your Jeep will thank you later.

The steps to replace the battery in your Jeep are as follows:

  • Load the Replacement – Take your new battery and hoist it into the battery box. Ensure that it sits on a level footing and does not cause an obstruction when replacing the battery clamp. Get help placing it in the battery box if you have trouble lifting it because of shoulder issues or other health problems.
  • Return the Clamp – You should concentrate on placing the clamp back around the battery. The clamp has attachments near the base of the battery box, and it could take a flashlight to see them. Make sure the clamp is tight, and the battery doesn’t move around before moving on to the next step.
  • Replace the Terminals – You should replace them when the battery is back in its proper location. If you take the time to clean them, they should go on with no hassle and fit like a dream. Tighten the nuts on them before finishing.

Once you know that the terminals are tight and the battery is secure, you can lower the hood. Before closing, remember to get all your tools and ratchets from under the hood.

Be careful with the prop as it must clamp back with the hood, or it could wreak havoc in the engine bay. Tighten the straps, if needed, and get the Jeep back on the road.

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Conclusion

Changing the battery in your Jeep is a snap, and if you have issues with cranking or constantly need a jump start, you might need a new one.

However, replacing the battery should only take about an hour round trip, and if you have the right tools, it could be much less. Always take safety seriously, as batteries can be toxic and explode.

Changing a Jeep battery isn’t that hard of a job when it comes down to it. But, if you follow a few safety guidelines and have the proper tools, your Jeep will benefit from increased power production and easy starts on cold mornings if you follow a few safety guidelines and have the appropriate tools.

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