Changing the battery in my Dodge truck

[Jess from VA]

What a PITA!!

The battery for a 2500 Promaster van is under a floor panel under the driver's feet.

There are covers, a bolted positive array, and clips, and screws and nuts and clamps.  And SAE and metric hardware.  And the damn thing is so heavy you have to get in the seat and use both arms to lift it out (and put the new one in).  And move the vent line and things from the old one to the new one.

One video said it could be done in 12 minutes.  Maybe after you did it a dozen times.  Closer to an hour for me (first time).  I managed to get it done in the shade early.  

And the the clock was flashing the wrong date and time at me, and the manual is crap.  So three trips to the computer, and I figured it out.  

When I was 15/16 working in a Mobil station, I could change a batter in a couple minutes... One clamp, two cables and done.  

I used my dolly to return the core to Advance Auto for my $22 refund.  

The battery was $260.      

[Chrisj CMA]

They make sure it’s involved enough to charge a less committed person 600 or 700 bucks to change a stinking battery.

[vanagon40]

Saturn Sky battery replacement. Step 1: Remove passenger side front fender.



DISCLAIMER: I have never owned a Sky or replaced a battery on a Sky.

[Jess from VA]

They make sure it’s involved enough to charge a less committed person 600 or 700 bucks to change a stinking battery.

Yes they do Jeff.  My local Dodge truck service center dealer wanted around $650 to do the job with an overpriced Mopar battery (which is probably good), and labor.  It won't even go in the shop bay doors of a non-truck Dodge dealer.  

The Diehard Platinum AGM 950 CCA I put in is about as good as you can get.

If they were even close to reasonable I would have let them do it for me.

The book says change them every 5-6 years, and mine was 8 and seemingly doing fine (including a 1100 mile trip last week), but I decided not to tempt fate.  

I can probably do it in only 2/3 the time next time.   

(The most important trick is to not pile all the random nuts, bolts, clips, clamps and widgets in a big pile and then kick them all over the driveway).   

[Serk]

(The most important trick is to not pile all the random nuts, bolts, clips, clamps and widgets in a big pile and then kick them all over the driveway).   

I realize you've probably already got a set but.... may I recommend some of these:

https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-3-Piece-Magnet-Magnetic-Holder/dp/B07BC6T5XR/

I try to have enough I can keep the bits and bobs from each sub-assembly in a separate cup. The cups themselves are magnetic and then they hold (ferrous) bits and pieces securely...

[Jess from VA]

Thanks Brian, I actually have a set of 4 of those. 

But I didn't use them.  Mine are for small stuff.  I laid my sub assemblies out in order in the big doorjamb, and the driveway under it.  And there's nothing magnetic to stick them to (all plastic and rubber).

[Chrisj CMA]

I’m a Ford guy now.  A few years ago I bought a brand new Chevy station wagon. After a few years it needed a battery. No problem I got this right?!?!

To get the battery out I had to remove a brace that goes diagonally across the engine compartment I presume for lateral strength. Well. Getting the last bolt out was a wrestling match, then POW I guess that thing was under a little stress.

So changed the battery no problem. Went to put that brace back on. It laughed at me. There was no way the holes were going to line up. I had to use ratchet straps, pry bars sweat and a few choice words to get it back together.

And people say bad things about Ford

[Jess from VA]

There was no way the holes were going to line up. I had to use ratchet straps, pry bars sweat and a few choice words to get it back together.

The final piece of my puzzle was the battery top clamp (2 parts).  The bottom plate had to go under a metal brace and hand power wouldn't do it.  I avoided it all day, but I went to a small hammer and punch (gently), and that did it.

The way I set my place up, the driveway goes up the front, through two big 8' gates, and down the back right to my bike and tool shed in the rear corner of the lot  I used to be able to drive my cars in and work right in front of the tool shed.  That monster truck will not fit, so I had to walk back and forth for tools.  The video I watched on it was pretty good, but I wish he had provided nut, wrench and ratchet sizes.  Would have saved me some walking.  I wasn't going to roll a tall rolling tool chest out there to change a freekin' battery.   

[scooperhsd]

There was no way the holes were going to line up. I had to use ratchet straps, pry bars sweat and a few choice words to get it back together.

The final piece of my puzzle was the battery top clamp (2 parts).  The bottom plate had to go under a metal brace and hand power wouldn't do it.  I avoided it all day, but I went to a small hammer and punch (gently), and that did it.

The way I set my place up, the driveway goes up the front, through two big 8' gates, and down the back right to my bike and tool shed in the rear corner of the lot  I used to be able to drive my cars in and work right in front of the tool shed.  That monster truck will not fit, so I had to walk back and forth for tools.  The video I watched on it was pretty good, but I wish he had provided nut, wrench and ratchet sizes.  Would have saved me some walking.  I wasn't going to roll a tall rolling tool chest out there to change a freekin' battery.   

Are you sure you wouldn't have saved some effort taking your tools out to the truck ? 

[scooperhsd]

At least all 3 of my VW diesels aren't too bad compared to what you did - although the first time I changed the Beetle's battery was a pain (I took it to my mechanic to put the pieces back in that I couldn't ). Consequently - I discarded them (battery blanket).

[F6Dave]

I didn't realize this had become a common problem. I changed the battery in the wife's Ford Escape last month and it was a real PITA.

There are two methods: remove the wiper arms and cowling then lift it out, or remove the air filter and airbox along with a bunch of cables, hoses, and other parts then slide it out. I tried the first method, only to find out that the winter package option includes a larger battery that won't lift out without the airbox out of the way and part of the battery tray removed. So I had to remove all that stuff, and go back to the store to get the larger battery since their book only listed the smaller battery. What took 10 minutes on my F150 took hours on the Escape.

[0leman]

I feel for you Jess,  I have a Mercedes van.  Changing the battery is like you said a pain.   I have only changed it once, hope to not have to change it for a number of years.  I couldn't get on the seat, so had to move the dang thing from outside.  Doable but took some effort.  Lots of fun screws and cable connections. 

I don't drive this vehicle much as it is a RV van.   I didn't realize that there was a lot of electrical stuff that was sapping the battery when it was turned off.  So, the battery went dead on me.  Found out there is a bar on the door lock mechanism that can/does come off, so the key won't open the door.  Had to get a lock smith to come open it.  That when I found the battery was dead, couldn't get it hold a charge.  Now have the dang thing on a battery tender.

[Rams]

Saturn Sky battery replacement. Step 1: Remove passenger side front fender.



DISCLAIMER: I have never owned a Sky or replaced a battery on a Sky.

My Pontiac Solstice is the same as the SKY.   There's an easy way to get this done, simply take the plastic pins holding the plastic/flexible inner fender liner out, bend that plastic fender liner forward, remove the single fender bracket (as I remember, that's three bolts) and once the battery is disconnected, lift the battery and now slide it out where the previous parts were that you've removed.   Reverse the process to install the new battery. Fender does not need to come off.  Have done this twice since getting my Solstice.   Takes about 20 minutes even at my age and restrictions.

The first battery I replaced I thought I would need more room so I took the passenger front tire off.   That made it take a bit longer while the car was sitting on a jackstand.   The second battery replacement was accomplished without removing that tire.  

Rams

[Rams]

I’m a Ford guy now.  A few years ago I bought a brand new Chevy station wagon. After a few years it needed a battery. No problem I got this right?!?!

To get the battery out I had to remove a brace that goes diagonally across the engine compartment I presume for lateral strength. Well. Getting the last bolt out was a wrestling match, then POW I guess that thing was under a little stress.

So changed the battery no problem. Went to put that brace back on. It laughed at me. There was no way the holes were going to line up. I had to use ratchet straps, pry bars sweat and a few choice words to get it back together.

And people say bad things about Ford

After retiring, I took a job out of boredom at Advance Auto Parts, something to do and although, not financially very rewarding, I enjoyed helping folks out.   I've changed several hundred batteries (if not thousands) for customers.   What I will say is if those holes didn't line up then something was tweaked on those body parts.   Regardless of the brand, all body parts and chassis are weaker than they used to be and even small forces can bend or damage.

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I feel for you Jess,  I have a Mercedes van.  Changing the battery is like you said a pain.   I have only changed it once, hope to not have to change it for a number of years.  I couldn't get on the seat, so had to move the dang thing from outside. Doable but took some effort.  Lots of fun screws and cable connections.  

I don't drive this vehicle much as it is a RV van.   I didn't realize that there was a lot of electrical stuff that was sapping the battery when it was turned off.  So, the battery went dead on me.  Found out there is a bar on the door lock mechanism that can/does come off, so the key won't open the door.  Had to get a lock smith to come open it.  That when I found the battery was dead, couldn't get it hold a charge.  Now have the dang thing on a battery tender.

Well if the the wife was sitting on that seat you should have had her lift it out.  

Hopefully you hooked the tender up to the jump spots under the hood, and not the battery itself.  I'd like to do that too, but I don't want to keep a power cord in my driveway, and solar is just too unreliable where it sits.  It gets driven weekly though not far.

I've never given a close inspection to the Mercedes Sprinter, only from the outside.  They seem to be very close to the same truck as the Dodge Promaster.

I don't have an RV, but I do have an old broken down LazyBoy in back for sleeping or relaxing, and a urinal hanging on the back door, and I can sling an ice cooler in it.  Also keep rain gear and warm parka and some other clothes and tools in case I need them.      

[scooperhsd]

If we ever decide to get rid of the VW's , I'll look at a van. But it will HAVE to have a way to lift wife's mobility scooter into it. I may also figure out some way to have a bed  / some small cooking in it. As well as some toilet.

Wife has an uncle with one of those Van campers, we had a good look at it when he visited us last summer. Looked interesting, but WOW on the price.

[Jess from VA]

If we ever decide to get rid of the VW's , I'll look at a van. But it will HAVE to have a way to lift wife's mobility scooter into it. I may also figure out some way to have a bed  / some small cooking in it. As well as some toilet.

Scott, the side door of a Promaster is at least 4 feet wide (open), and various companies make a device (lift) for chairs and scooters that fits that truck; I've seen pictures of them on-line.

FWIW, the Promaster also has the lowest floor in the industry at only 20" as well.  And a ramp (to only go up only 20") would certainly be much cheaper than a lift.

I paid $26,500 (cash) for mine as a demo with 600 miles on it in 2018, and I'm afraid they're about double that now, new.

[cookiedough]

why mfgs stick the battery under a brace is fine, but under other stuff like the air filter plastic housing as well is great engineering?  NOT!

Have talked to several auto places and most all vehicle batteries do not last like they use to longevity wise.  Most told me the plates inside are subpar quality and life expectancy was well over 8 years but lucky get 4-5 years outta most new batteries nowadays.  Sad state of affairs, since the cost of a new battery has skyrocketed as well and life expectancy near cut in half.

Say what u want about Hyundai OEM batteries but in 2014, both the santa fe and sonata gave up the ghost finally after 10-12 years of OEM use recently both around that 140K mile range of use. 

Bought cheapest Costco interstate batteries to replace them both only carry a pro-rated 3 year warranty now, a joke.  If I get less than 5 years outta either one, Interstate will be off my list since they are not made as well either now vs. way back then.

[F6Dave]

Anyone who ever changed an air filter on a GL1800 might prefer changing these batteries!

[0leman]

I feel for you Jess,  I have a Mercedes van.  Changing the battery is like you said a pain.   I have only changed it once, hope to not have to change it for a number of years.  I couldn't get on the seat, so had to move the dang thing from outside. Doable but took some effort.  Lots of fun screws and cable connections.  

I don't drive this vehicle much as it is a RV van.   I didn't realize that there was a lot of electrical stuff that was sapping the battery when it was turned off.  So, the battery went dead on me.  Found out there is a bar on the door lock mechanism that can/does come off, so the key won't open the door.  Had to get a lock smith to come open it.  That when I found the battery was dead, couldn't get it hold a charge.  Now have the dang thing on a battery tender.

Well if the the wife was sitting on that seat you should have had her lift it out.  

Hopefully you hooked the tender up to the jump spots under the hood, and not the battery itself.  I'd like to do that too, but I don't want to keep a power cord in my driveway, and solar is just too unreliable where it sits.  It gets driven weekly though not far.

I've never given a close inspection to the Mercedes Sprinter, only from the outside.  They seem to be very close to the same truck as the Dodge Promaster.

I don't have an RV, but I do have an old broken down LazyBoy in back for sleeping or relaxing, and a urinal hanging on the back door, and I can sling an ice cooler in it.  Also keep rain gear and warm parka and some other clothes and tools in case I need them.      

Jess, the battery tender has two batteries to keep up.  The RV's lithium batteries require a lead acid battery to jump start. So, have two lead acid type batteries to keep up.   Yeah, the van's system battery had connections under the hood.  the RV's battery is there also.  Wouldn't have to have it if we would use the van every week or so.   I just doesn't happened.

If we ever decide to get rid of the VW's , I'll look at a van. But it will HAVE to have a way to lift wife's mobility scooter into it. I may also figure out some way to have a bed  / some small cooking in it. As well as some toilet.

Wife has an uncle with one of those Van campers, we had a good look at it when he visited us last summer. Looked interesting, but WOW on the price.

Yeah, these vans are expensive.   

[h13man]

My 2010 GMC Sierra just puked its 2nd. battery in 5 yrs. This one was Duracell thus not really happy with the longevity. Had to remove battery platform brace and the corner brace for firewall to the fender. Not difficult but annoying. Went back to Walmart Everstart as I've always gotten very good service from them. This is the second time I lost a battery in extremely hot summer climate in 43 yrs.

[scooperhsd]

heat is worse on batteries than cold. That being said, I agree with everybody who commented that batteries don't last like they used to.

[h13man]

Had a my stock AC Delco freeze and bust in my 1st. year 2nd gen S10. Found out it got so cold that the driver side door panel shrunk and the dome light switch came on and drained it. Score, 2 to 1 in favor of the heat. 

[Robert]

Have an SUV the battery is under the pass seat and there is an aux battery also. You have to go into the

back seat move the front seat all the way forward remove the carpet and work at removing the battery

out from under the seat. The battery is an 70lbs, AGM and trying to get it out is a pain. The battery is about

380.00 and the aux battery. is about 150.00, so consider yourself fortunate. You may also want to find

someone with a code reader and reset the codes that the low battery triggered. There may be many and

it makes diagnosing the car harder if you don't. I don't think yours does but some require registering the

battery change on the vehicle through a scanner.

[Jess from VA]

Hey, at least we don't have to remove and install through the tail pipe.   

[Robert]

Hey, at least we don't have to remove and install through the tail pipe.   

 


 

Thats next. 

[Rams]

Hey, at least we don't have to remove and install through the tail pipe.   

Unless it's a Hybrid, I don't believe EVs have a tailpipe.   My understanding is, EV batteries are huge and heavy.

Rams