Guide On How To Change The Battery In Your Hyundai Vehicle

Your car’s battery is the heart of the vehicle, as it powers everything from the starter to the air conditioning system. While it’s typically best to schedule a service appointment when you notice problems with your car battery, it’s also possible to change your battery at home using a few simple steps. This can help you save time and money by letting you fix the problem without needing to visit a professional.

Before you start your replacement, make sure you have the correct replacement battery for your specific Hyundai model and year. Here are the steps you can take to change the battery in your Hyundai vehicle. View our inventory of new vehicles or give us a call today at 817-367-4000. 

Safety Precautions

Since car batteries hold strong electric currents and often contain fluids like battery acid that can harm you if you come in contact with them, it’s important to stay safe when replacing your car’s battery. Wear safety gloves and protective eyewear to reduce the risk of accidental injuries.

Locate the Battery

First, find the battery under your car’s hood. On a Hyundai vehicle, you can typically find the battery in the engine compartment. Make sure to check both the driver’s side and passenger’s side, as the exact location of the battery can vary by model.

Disconnect the Negative Terminal

Once you find the battery, the first step you can take is to disconnect the negative terminal. You can tell which terminal is negative because it’s usually marked with a “-” or minus sign. Then, you can use a socket wrench or strong set of pliers to loosen the terminal and, finally, to pull it out.

Disconnect the Positive Terminal

Next, find the positive terminal on the battery. This is typically marked with a “+” or plus symbol to differentiate it from the negative terminal, and it may also be red in color. When you find it, you can use the same wrench or pliers to loosen the terminal from its connector and then remove it entirely.

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Remove the Battery Hold-Down Clamp

Some Hyundai models have a battery hold-down clamp securing the battery in place. In some cases, you may need to move a curved bracket away from the battery to unfasten the clamp. If it’s stuck, you can use pliers to remove it, but make sure to be careful so as not to damage the clamp. Once you remove the clamp, you should be able to lift the car’s battery out of its compartment easily.

Remove the Old Battery

After you remove the battery hold-down clamp, place it and any fasteners that it uses carefully to the side. Then, you can begin taking out the old battery. It’s especially important to wear gloves during this step, as you’ll want to protect your skin from any hazardous fluids that may be leaking from the old battery. When removing the battery, gently lift it out of the tray and try to keep your hands as steady as possible. This can help reduce the chances of leaking or splashing battery acid.

If you find your battery is difficult to take out manually, you can get a battery terminal puller to aid you. However, it’s important not to use a metal object to touch both ends of the battery, as this will create a current that could be dangerous. After you’ve lifted the battery out, use a magnetic tool to scan the battery terminal area to ensure you pick up any loose metal pieces that may have fallen.

Clean the Battery Tray

Once your old battery is out, check your battery tray for signs of damage. This can include corrosion from battery acid or debris from pieces of a battery breaking off. You can then deeply clean your battery tray using a wire brush and a simple mixture of baking soda and water.

Install the New Battery

When installing a new battery, you may notice plastic covers on the posts, which you can remove. Then, you can clean the posts with an anti-corrosion solution to preserve their function for a longer time. Carefully slide the new battery into the tray, making sure it’s sitting exactly in place. If you have a hold-down clamp, you can reattach it after you’re certain the battery is in the right position.

Reconnect the Positive Terminal

After placing the new battery into the tray and securing it, you can reconnect it to the positive terminal. Find the terminal that’s either red or has the plus sign, and clamp it tightly to the battery post. Make sure the connection is secure before moving on to the next terminal.

Reconnect the Negative Terminal

When the positive terminal is connected, you can repeat the same process with the negative terminal. Attach the battery’s post to the negative terminal, again ensuring a tight connection before you move on to the next step.

Test the Battery

Now that your battery change is complete, it’s time to test the function of the new battery. You can do this by starting your car and ensuring that the engine starts without stalling or showing other signs of error. It’s also beneficial to test the other features in your vehicle that have electrical components, such as the radio, air conditioning, and lights. If everything is working correctly, then you’ve successfully changed the battery on your Hyundai vehicle.

If you test the battery and the car still won’t start, or you notice some of your car’s features aren’t working properly, it may be time to call a professional. Schedule a service appointment as soon as you can, so a professional technician can take a closer look and figure out what the issue is.

Service Your Battery at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth

You can use this comprehensive guide to change your car’s battery, one step at a time. It’s key to maintain the health of your car battery and replace it when it stops working to ensure your vehicle remains reliable and drives efficiently. For specific instructions about your model and the battery, you can consult your owner’s manual. You can also contact us directly at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth to ask questions about battery replacement or schedule a service appointment. Then, our team will take care of the replacement for you, giving you even more peace of mind.