How to Replace the Battery in an F-250 Diesel
by Richard RistowAutomotive batteries degrade over time and inspection of the unit in your Ford F-250 should be part of routine maintenance. While the battery itself is easy to remove and replace, a few precautions should be kept in mind. For example, the F-250's computer system will have to reestablish the vehicle's components. If you don't want to spend a lot of time reprogramming components such as the radio, a memory saver can help retain the truck's electrical settings.
Step 1
Open the hood of the truck and locate the battery.
Step 2
Detach the negative battery cable.
Step 3
Detach the positive battery cable.
Step 4
Locate a wedge on the side of the F-250's battery. It's secured to the battery tray by a bolt. Remove the bolt and lift out the wedge.
Step 5
Lift the old battery out of the F-250's engine compartment. Since it's heavy, you might need assistance.
Step 6
Place the new battery onto the F-250's battery tray. Replace the wedge and the bolt that will secure it.
Step 7
Reattach the battery cables. Start with the positive cable and then the negative cable.
References
- "Chilton's Ford Pick-Ups / Expedition / Navigator 1997 - 09 Repair Manual"; Eric Michael Milhalyi and Jay Storer; Haynes Publishing Group; 2009
Tips
- When you buy a replacement battery, make sure that the size, terminal locations, cold cranking amps and cranking amps are exactly the same as the older battery. As for the amp numbers, they can be slightly higher than the standard replacement battery but they should not be lower.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
Warnings
- Never attempt to change a battery with the truck running.
Writer Bio
Richard Ristow has written for journals, newspapers and websites since 2002. His work has appeared in "2009 Nebula Showcase" and elsewhere. He is a winner of the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling Award and he edits poetry for Belfire Press. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and has managed an automotive department at WalMart.
