CAUTION
When working on the battery, be careful at all times to keep metal wrenches
from connecting across the battery terminal posts. DO NOT wear any type of metal
jewelry, this includes watches!
- Unfasten the negative battery terminal, first.
- Next, unfasten the positive cable at the starter and then the positive battery
terminal.
- Loosen the hold-down clamps and carefully remove the battery using a battery
lifting strap or equivalent.
| Fig. 1: Always disconnect the negative battery cable
first
|
- Thoroughly clean the entire battery box area. Use a mild solution of baking
soda and water to cut through the corrosion. This is done because the battery
retains its charge better in a clean environment.
- Replace the battery with one having an equal or higher rating in amp/hours.
Note that the older a vehicle is, the more likely it is to benefit from an
increase in battery capacity due to increased resistance in the wiring.
- Install the battery in exact reverse order, making sure it is securely mounted
before starting to connect the wiring. Make sure the battery terminals are
clean, using a special brush designed for that purpose, if necessary.
- Connect the positive terminal first, and then the negative, tightening them
securely. Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly to protect them from corrosion.
CAUTION
Use care in handling the battery, remember, it is filled with a highly corrosive
acid. Don't smoke; the vapors are explosive.
