How to Install the Battery for Vehicles

Think of the battery of your Vehicles as a bucket, and electricity as water. The alternator of your car pours water in the bucket, and the bucket stores the water until it's needed, such as when you need to start the Vehicles in the morning. But if that bucket has a hole in it, you'll be out of luck the next morning, and stuck in the driveway. Metaphors aside, replacing a battery in your Vehicles is an easy process, and even though you're dealing with electricity, you can do it yourself Vehicles home with simple hand tools.

Under The Hood:

• How to Install the Battery for a VT600 Shadow VLX
• How to Install a Battery in a BMW 330i
• How to Install a Battery in a 2005 Cadillac STS
• How to Install a Battery in a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• How to Install a Battery on a Fifth Wheel Trailer

 How to Install the Battery for a VT600 Shadow VLX

Place the motorcycle on the kickstand. This will keep the motorcycle upright for maintenance.

Make sure the power to the bike is turned off by removing the ignition key. Locate the battery to the bottom right of the motorcycle at the rear of the engine.

Unbolt the two side covers using a socket wrench.

Disconnect the negative cable using a line wrench. You can access the terminal from the left side of the bike. Pull the cable away from the battery.

Disconnect the positive cable from the right side of the motorcycle using a line wrench. Pull the cable away from the battery.

Slide the battery out of the compartment and replace it with the new battery.

Tighten the positive cable on to the battery using a line wrench. Repeat to install the negative cable on the negative terminal.

Bolt the side covers back over the battery compartment and tighten with a socket wrench.

Start the motorcycle and allow it to idle for five minutes to make sure the new battery is functioning correctly.

 How to Install a Battery in a BMW 330i

Park your 330i and turn off the engine. Open the trunk and raise the floor panel. Locate the battery in the right rear corner of the trunk.

Loosen the two fasteners a 1/4 turn, using a screwdriver. Loosen the third fastener in the upper-center side trim panel. Remove the fasteners. Slide the side trim panel slightly upward.

Disconnect the battery cable on the negative terminal, followed by the battery cable on the positive terminal. Loosen the center screw on the battery retaining strap to disconnect the strap. Lift the battery out of the trunk. Be very careful not to spill any fluid from it.

Place the new battery carefully in the battery compartment. Make sure that it is seated properly. Connect the battery cable on the positive terminal, followed by the battery cable on the negative terminal. Attach the cover on the new battery and secure it with the three fasteners. Replace the floor panel and close the trunk.

 How to Install a Battery in a 2005 Cadillac STS

Removing the Old Battery

Lift the bottom of the center, rear seat cushion up to detach the retaining hooks. Pull the cushion up and toward the front of the STS to detach it. The battery compartment is located below.

Pull the vent hoses off each side of the battery. Lift the battery cover up to open the compartment.

Loosen the clamp attached to the negative (black) battery terminal, using an open-end wrench. Lift the clamp off the terminal. Loosen the positive (red) terminal clamp in the same way and lift it from the battery terminal.

Loosen the battery retainer clamp located at the base of the battery with a socket wrench. Keeping the battery upright, lift it up and out of the battery compartment. Use caution because the battery is heavy.

Replacing the New Battery

Place the new battery into the compartment. Secure the battery retaining clamp with a socket wrench.

Place the clamp from the positive cable over the battery's positive terminal and tighten the clamp with an open-end wrench. Place the negative clamp onto the negative terminal in the same way and tighten it.

Close the battery cover and push the vent hoses into each side of the battery. Push the rear, center seat cushion back into position.

Turn the ignition to ensure the battery works properly.

 How to Install a Battery in a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Pop the hood and remove the covers that go over the battery terminals. Unbolt the battery terminals from the battery, positive terminal first, using the open-end wrench set. Pull the cabling out of the way so you can access the battery.

Unbolt the battery hold down from the vehicle, using the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket. Once this is out, you'll be able to lift out the battery and place it aside.

Set the new battery in the battery tray. Bolt down the hold down, using the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket, then reconnect the battery terminals to the battery, using the open-end wrench set.

Start the vehicle and let it run for ten minutes to help charge the battery if necessary.

 How to Install a Battery on a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Select the highest amp-hour, deep cycle battery that will fit in your battery box. Refer to your owner's manual for the most powerful battery allowed. If you need to replace your 12-volt battery with two deep cycle 6-volt batteries, make sure you measure your battery dimensions, allowing room for the dual battery installation. Make sure the replacement battery has a full charge before installing it.

Locate your main battery cutoff switch at the control panel and turn it off. Disconnect any external power source hookup to your trailer. Open your battery box. Use a socket to disconnect the negative battery cable from its post. Use a socket to disconnect the positive battery cable. Unscrew the battery hold-down clamps and pull the hold-down mechanism off the battery.

Use a battery strap to secure the old battery and transport it out of the trailer. Clean the battery box with baking soda and water. Scrub the battery cable ends with baking soda and a brush, if you intend to reuse them. Remove all battery acid corrosion.

Dry the box with a towel, and paint it with a rust inhibitor paint if you want extra protection. Install the new battery in the battery box, using a strap to lift and place it. Replace the battery hold-down bracket or clamp and tighten the bolts with a socket.

Clean the inside of the battery cables with a battery cleaner tool until the insides shine. Insert two felt washers over the battery posts. Place the positive and negative cables over their respective terminal posts and tighten them with a socket. Apply a liberal amount of Vaseline gel to all surfaces of the battery cables, including the undersides. Turn your main cutout switch to the "on" position and test your trailer accessories.