How to Remove a Car Battery

Your car battery is a crucial part of your vehicle's operation, despite the fact that it is not actually used once your car is running and moving down the road. It kickstarts all of your car's processes into motion when you turn the key, and also powers electrical components when your vehicle is off and parked. For the most part, it isn't necessary to give your car battery much thought, but there are times when you must remove it. Fortunately, this is usually a simple task that can be done on your own with basic tools you likely have on hand.

There are two primary reasons you may need to remove your car battery: to replace it, or have it checked for efficacy. In either case, the basic process is the same. Although batteries have assorted degrees of power output, the only thing that can vary in the removal steps relates to the type of terminals a particular battery possesses.

With five chief battery terminal types, it can be confusing about which tools to use, although the actual removal process is essentially the same for all batteries. These types are SAE post, GM side, combination, L, and stud terminals. American-made cars typically use either SAE post, GM side, or a combination-style terminal, while European cars favor the L variety, and electric car models often have stud terminals. To remove most of these types of batteries, you will use two pairs of pliers or two pairs of adjustable wrenches. In removing GM side varieties, however, you will require a socket and socket wrench, or ratchet.

Part 1 of 3: Preparation and safety tips

inspecting a car battery

Since batteries hold enough charge to deliver a potentially fatal shock, always wear insulated work gloves for protection. It is also wise to wear safety goggles because there is always the possibility that some of the corrosive agents inside the battery may leak. Regardless of which type of battery your car has, turn your car off before ever attempting removal, because the corrosive agents inside the battery are also flammable, and a running vehicle can produce a spark. Once these safety measures are in place and the tools outlined below have been collected, you are ready to remove your battery.

While the actual process to remove a car battery is fairly straightforward, there are other things you can do to ensure your safety as well as some general tips to keep in mind:

Tip 1: Use zip ties. Consider using zip ties or another form of restraint to keep each of the battery cables in their proper place as you take out the battery. This prevents them from touching and creating sparks that could potentially ignite the flammable contents of your battery.

Tip 2: Cover with cloth. Alternatively, you can cover the positive cable end with a cloth once it is removed to prevent any metal-to-metal contact, protecting your electrical systems and yourself from harm.

Tip 3: Remove jewelry. Remove any jewelry before attempting battery removal. Metal jewelry like necklaces, watches, or bracelets could accidentally come in contact with the battery and deliver a dangerous shock.

Tip 4: Work in well ventilated area. Work in an outdoor environment or a well-ventilated garage to prevent exposure to harmful gases.

Tip 5: If terminal is fused, use special tool. In the case that a cable seems to be fused with the terminal, you may have to use a special battery cable removal tool, which is available at most auto parts stores.

Part 2 of 3: Standard post removal (all types, excluding GM side)

removing a bolt from a car battery

Materials Needed

Step 1: Find negative terminal. Determine which of the terminals is the negative one. It often has a black plastic cover; otherwise, a minus sign will be located either on the post or in close proximity.

Step 2: Fixate bolt head. Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with one wrench or pliers and hold it still.

Step 3: Remove the nut, and cable. Use the other pliers or wrench to remove the nut. Pull the negative cable off and secure away from the battery.

Step 4: Repeat for positive cable. Repeat this process on the positive terminal, taking care that the two battery cables do not touch. You must also prevent the positive cable from touching any metal because it carries a residual current that can affect the electrical components of your car.

Step 5: Remove securing bracket. If the battery is held in place with a bracket, use the pliers or wrench to take out the screws or bolts holding it into place. A socket with an extension may be added to remove the battery.

lifting a battery out of a car engine

Step 6: Lift out battery. Lift the battery straight out of the bracket, bearing in mind that it may weigh up to 40 lbs.

Part 3 of 3: GM post removal

loosening a battery nut with a wrench

Materials Needed

Step 1: Identify terminals. Identify which terminal is negative and which is positive, either by the color of the terminal color (black for negative and red for positive) or locating a plus or minus sign near each terminal post.

Step 2: Find correctly sized socket. Although most GM post terminals require a 3/8-inch socket, verify this is the case by fitting the socket over the nut head. If it fits snugly, it is the correct size. Otherwise, test other sizes from your socket set until finding the correct fit.

ratchet extender

Step 3: Attach the appropriate socket to the ratchet. If the terminals are in a tight spot, you may also need to use a ratchet extender.

Step 4: Remove nut heads. With the socket and ratchet connected, put the socket over the nut head and remove it with a counterclockwise rotation. Repeat on the positive terminal, and make sure the positive cable does not come into contact with any metal.

Step 5: Remove bracket and battery. If necessary, remove the bracket holding the battery in its tray, and lift the battery out.

If you run into any trouble while attempting to remove your car battery or simply feel uncomfortable doing the job on your own, don't hesitate to enlist the help of an certified mobile mechanic from YourMechanic.


Next Step

Schedule Car Battery Replacement

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Car Battery Replacement. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Car Battery Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(9,922)

Rating Summary
9,614
183
41
20
64
9,614
183
41
20
64

Andrew

16 years of experience
657 reviews
Andrew
16 years of experience
Honda Civic L4-1.8L - Battery - Beaverton, Oregon
Andrew was amazing. He was kind, smart, and super friendly. Got the job done in no time and I'm very pleased with the work he has done. My car works again. Thank you, Andrew.
Ford Transit Connect - Battery - Portland, Oregon
10/10 would recommend and will book again if something comes up that isn't expressly dealer specific.

Lucas

30 years of experience
938 reviews
Lucas
30 years of experience
Kia Forte5 L4-2.0L - Battery - Van Nuys, California
Lucas was very professional and completed the work on my car quickly and efficiently. He communicated his arrival time with me so I knew exactly when he would get here. I would definitely request him again if I need work done in the future! Thanks Lucas!
Honda Accord - Car Battery Replacement - Sherman Oaks, California
Excellent! Replaced the battery, constantly examining the cables and connections. Cleaning off corrosion and dirt along the way. None of the "mystery" associated with brick and mortar mechanic shops - "customers are not allowed..." Ended with guidance to protect the the life of new battery life by operating the car more frequently than I do.

Attila

20 years of experience
1104 reviews
Attila
20 years of experience
Dodge Grand Caravan V6-3.3L - Battery - Cranford, New Jersey
This is the second time Attila has serviced my car. The car and extra mile that he takes is exceptional
Honda Civic - Car Battery Replacement - Jersey City, New Jersey
Great experience, very kind and gracious. Worked efficiently and smooth. Explained what he was doing and why which was very helpful. He deserves a raise if he isn’t already getting one. I would recommend his service to others if they need help.

Shawn

13 years of experience
379 reviews
Shawn
13 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GLE350 V6-3.5L - Car Battery Replacement - Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Shawn was awesome! Super courteous and personable, showed up on time, got the job done and was very thorough checking everything out for us. Really appreciated the awesome job and knowledgeable service!

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Battery Temperature Sensor
Common signs include engine surging, low battery voltage, and an illuminated Battery Light.
How to Replace a Harmonic Balancer
Harmonic balancers fail when the engine is causing excessive vibrations and the timing marks are misaligned.
How to Replace a Key Fob Battery
Key fobs allow easy access to your car. Once the key fob battery is weak or dead you'll lose your fob's ability to control remote functions.

Related questions

Transmission slipping, gear warning on the dash
Hello. Let's hope that you don't have an issue with the mechanical aspect of the transmission on your 2002 BMW 330xi. I believe the best thing to check will be the transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service). Also, I suggest having a technician...
My car weak to start , battery & alternator ok, I put fuel injector cleaner today, some emissions smell exterior, what can it be?
Hello there. Many different faults can cause your 2000 Honda Accord to be slow to start. The most common fault is the battery. If the battery has been load tested and ruled out, there are other possibilities. Other likely faults...
Dim dashboard lights..slower electrical functions
Hi there. In order to give you the best information I would need to know what kind of vehicle this is. From what you are explaining though it does sound like there is an issue with the electrical system. These...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com