Changing the Battery ? Cabin Filter ?

[dougb]

My battery is four years old. It's still got life in it... I had it checked. But, most batteries don't last much past five years.

I'd rather change it early, as I've had an episode with BOTH of my other vehicles in the recent past with batteries dieing. Not difficult, but not fun to change a battery in the pouring rain in the parkinglot of the mall.

So... I figured out how to remove the plastic cover plate to get to the battery. Two screws and some manuevering of the plastic. Doesn't take more than three minutes to access the battery.

I asked the dealership for a cost to replace... and they wanted $350 for the battery and labor. Geesh!

What "concerned" me is.... the dealership guy said that they charge $150-ish in labor because the "might" have to reprogram the car after a battery change.

I've got the keyless entry..... and I'm wondering, if I disconnect the battery, and change it out, I going to have to to visit the dealership to get my key re-programmed to the car?

Also.... it appears there is a cabin filter in an access hole BEHIND the battery. I can see it clearly after I removed the plastic fairing plate over the battery. Do you simply just reach in and yank it out? and install a new one? Or, are there retention clips?

inquiring minds and all....

[dougb]

ahhh...... I found a youtube video showing how to replace the cabin air filter.....

[dougb]

So.... has anybody changed thier own battery? Did you have to re-program the car in anyway after you changed it?

If you have keyless entry/keyless start button.... did it still work?

Anybody out there?

[glmini]

Im out here, but do not know the answer.

Sent from my PC36100 using proboards

[minidiver]

You could always use a small trickle charger to keep power on the car while you have the battery disconnected. That would solve the problem if there is one. Just make sure to not short it out to ground.

[dougb]

I think I'm going to use jumper cables on the leads, to another battery, keeping 12 volts applied, while I change the battery.

Changing the two batteries, yes TWO batteries....no need to reprogram anything. One battery is always connected.

[glmini]

Lets us know if it works out ok.

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