How to Fix a Dead Battery in Your Car or Truck

Step 1: Purchase a new battery.
First, buy a new battery for your vehicle.  Be sure to purchase the proper one for your car or truck.  Your local auto parts store will be able to help you get the right one.

Step 2: Locate the battery.
Raise your vehicle's hood and locate the battery.  On most cars it is located at the front of the vehicle near one of the headlights.

Step 3: Remove the access cover.
Some cars have an access cover that needs to be removed. If your car or truck has one remove it.

Step 4: Disconnect the battery.
Now disconnect the negative (black) and positive (red) cables from the battery's terminals.  Take the negative cable off first.  A wrench will allow you to loosen the clamp on its end.  Once the cables are disconnected, secure them somewhere out of the way.

Step 5: Unbolt the hold down bracket
If your vehicle's battery has a hold down bracket to keep it from moving around on the battery tray, unbolt it.

Step 6: Lift the battery out of your vehicle.
Next you have to lift the old battery out of your vehicle.  Be careful, car batteries are pretty heavy, usually 20 to 35 pounds.  Make sure not to tip the battery, or the dangerous acidic fluid inside of it may spill out, ouch.

Step 7: Place the new battery in the car.
Now it's time to install your new battery.  The procedure for doing so is basically Steps 2 through 5 in reverse.  Place the new battery on your car or truck's battery tray with the positive and negative cables in the same positions they were before.

Step 8: Reattach the cables.
Once the battery is in place, reattach the cables, negative to negative and positive to positive.  Make sure they are tight, but do not to overtighten them.  If the cables are corroded, use steel wool and a mixture of baking soda and water to clean them before reattaching them.

Step 9: Test the battery.
Your new battery should be functional now.  Try starting your car to test it.

Step 10: Replace the cover and close the hood.
After you have confirmed that your battery is working, replace the battery cover, if it has one, and close your vehicle's hood.

Step 11: Dispose of your old battery
Now all you have to do is dispose of your old battery.  Make sure to do so properly by taking it to a recycling center.  You can find one near you by visiting the following site: Call 2 Recycle.

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