How to Replace a Nissan Altima Hybrid Battery

by Justin Mark

Nissan's first hybrid car is the Altima Hybrid introduced in 2007. Like any other hybrid car, it uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The Altima has two batteries: a Ni-MH 245-volt DC high-voltage battery and a lead-acid 12-volt battery. Both of these batteries are located in the trunk of the vehicle. The Ni-MH battery supplies power to the electric motor of the car while the 12-volt battery supplies the low voltage electrical system for the car. The 12-volt battery's maintenance, like its conventional counterparts, can be done by the vehicle's owner.

Step 1

Remove all jewelry, such as rings or watches, before servicing the battery to prevent accidental shock.

Step 2

Verify that the vehicle's parking brake is engaged. Shift the transmission into "Park" and make sure that the "Ready" light is off. If you have just used the vehicle, wait 10 minutes before continuing. The high voltage battery in the trunk can still remain hot just after operation.

Step 3

Open the trunk. The 12-volt battery is located on the rear quarter panel at the right side of the trunk.

Step 4

Twist open the locking tab of the trim cover with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the trim cover to access the 12-volt battery.

Step 5

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Use an open-end wrench to loosen the negative cable's clamp to remove it. Detach the positive cable using the same procedure.

Step 6

Unscrew the nuts on the battery's locking brace with the open-end wrench. Remove the locking brace.

Step 7

Remove the old battery from the trunk.

Step 8

Install the new battery into the trunk of the car.

Step 9

Reinstall the battery's locking brace and secure it in place by tightening its nuts with the open-end wrench.

Step 10

Reattach the positive cable to the positive terminal of the battery. Secure it by tightening the cable clamp's bolt with the open-end wrench. Then reattach the negative cable to the battery using the same procedure.