Installation

General Precautions

Make sure the engine, lights and any accessories are turned off before removing old battery. Check if the vehicle has a computerised electrical system. Vehicles with on board computer systems require an alternative power source to maintain electronic memory when the battery is disconnected.
Disconnection of the battery on such a vehicle without a memory minder, may cause damage to the main computer or other segments of the vehicle's electronically controlled equipment.

Removal of Old Battery

Note location of positive terminal and mark polarity on positive cable.
Remove the ground (-) terminal first. This precaution is necessary to avoid damage to wiring and the battery by accidental grounding from tools.
Remove the second (+)terminal.
Undo hold down clamp and remove battery.

New Battery Installation

Check battery height to ensure there is sufficient bonnet clearance.
Inspect tray and area for corrosion.
If necessary, scrub the area with water and baking soda and rinse with water.
Corroded steel parts should be dried and painted with acid proof paint. Terminals should be cleaned and brushed.
Cable and starter motor connections should be checked and tightened if necessary.
If terminal clamps or cables are badly corroded, they should be replaced.
Place the new battery in the tray ensuring it sits level and that terminal posts are positioned as for the old battery.
Place and tighten hold downs securely so that the battery cannot move in the tray.
Apply a thin coating of high temperature grease to the posts and cable connections.
Replace cables ensuring positive cable first followed by negative. Tighten connections.
Note: Do not over tighten.
Never hammer cable connections onto battery posts, as this can damage the battery posts and cover.

Safety Precautions for Vehicles Fitted with Air Bags

Removal or replacement of battery connections will not intentionally trigger an air bag system. However removal of battery connections with the ignition remaining "on" can cause damage to electronic components including the air bag system - Always check to ensure the ignition is "off" before removing either of the battery terminals.

Before carrying out any work on the electrical system beyond the battery, the air bag system must be electrically disabled. Never indiscriminately probe the electrical wiring/connectors in the vicinity of the steering column.

The wiring and harness connectors of most air bag systems are bright yellow; do not interfere with any harness of this colour. As an added safety measure it is recommended that no person should remain seated behind the steering wheel while any electrical service work is carried out on the vehicle.