How to Replace a Jeep Wrangler Car Battery
by Christian Killian
The battery in your Jeep Wrangler is located against the firewall on the passenger side of the Jeep. A strap-type hold-down runs over the top of the battery to secure the battery in place. Removing the battery requires removal of the hold-down before the battery will come out. When replacing the battery in your Jeep, you need to obtain a new battery with the same amperage for start-up and the same dimensions for it to fit properly. If you are not sure what you need, visit your Jeep dealer or any auto parts store for assistance.
Step 1
Open the hood of your Jeep and locate the battery on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Starting with the negative battery cable, remove the battery cable retaining bolts from the battery ends with a wrench.
Step 2
Lift the negative battery off the battery and set it aside. Remove the positive cable and set it aside as well. Locate the crossbar that runs over the top of the battery.
Step 3
Remove the two nuts and washers from the crossbar hold-down on top of the battery using a ratchet and socket, turning the bolts counterclockwise until they are loose. Remove them from the J-bolts and lift the crossbar off the battery.
Step 4
Lift the battery out of the Jeep, holding it upright and set it aside. Install a new battery in the Jeep, making sure to orient the positive and negative terminals so they are oriented the same as they were on the old battery. Position the battery hold-down crossbar over the battery and, positioning the J-bolts into the holes on the crossbar, slide it down onto the top of the battery.
Step 5
Install the two nuts and washers on the J-bolts and tighten them with a socket and ratchet until the crossbar is snug. Do not over-tighten it or you risk cracking the plastic case of the battery.
Step 6
Connect the positive cable onto the positive terminal of the battery and tighten the retaining bolt with a wrench. Install the negative battery cable onto the negative battery terminal and tighten the retaining bolt with a wrench as well.
Step 7
Close the hood of your Jeep and start the engine to test the new battery installation.
References
- "Jeep Wrangler Factory Service Manual"; The Chrysler Group, LLC; 1994
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Ratchet
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
