🔧 Altima - Battery Replacement

Replacing the 12V battery restores reliable starting and prevents random electrical issues. On your Altima, the battery sits in the engine bay and is held down with a small bracket.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative (-) cable first to reduce short-circuit risk.
• ⚠️ Do not let a metal tool touch the battery + terminal and any metal body part at the same time.
• ⚠️ Batteries can vent gas: keep sparks/flames away and work in a ventilated area.
• ⚠️ Wear eye protection and gloves; battery acid is corrosive.
• Battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 6" extension
• 10mm combination wrench
• Torque wrench (in-lb/ft-lb capable)
• Battery terminal brush (specialty)
• Trim/flat screwdriver
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V battery (Group Size 35) - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion spray - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal felt washers - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine bay cool if it’s hot.
• Note: Disconnecting the battery may reset the clock and radio presets.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the battery

• Open the hood and locate the battery at the front side of the engine bay.
• If there’s a plastic cover or intake duct in the way, remove it using a trim/flat screwdriver as needed.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative terminal clamp nut.
• Twist and lift the clamp off the post, then tuck the cable aside so it can’t spring back.
• The “negative” cable is usually black.
• Torque on install: Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs)

Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) terminal

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the positive terminal clamp nut.
• Remove the clamp from the post and position it away from the battery.
• Cover the + clamp with a rag.
• Torque on install: Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down bracket

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension to remove the hold-down nuts/bolts.
• Lift off the bracket and set it aside with the hardware.
• Torque on install: Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the old battery

• Wiggle the battery free and lift it straight up using both hands.
• Set it on the ground upright. Batteries are heavy—lift with your legs.

Step 6: Clean the terminals and tray

• Use a battery terminal brush (specialty) to clean corrosion from the inside of the cable clamps.
• Wipe the tray area with shop rags so the new battery sits flat.
• Clean metal helps charging and starting.

Step 7: Install the new battery

• Place the new Group Size 35 battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one.
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket using the 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension.
• Torque: Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Reconnect terminals (positive first, negative last)

• Install the felt washers (one on each post), then reconnect the positive (+) clamp first using a 10mm wrench.
• Torque: Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs)
• Reconnect the negative (-) clamp last using a 10mm wrench.
• Torque: Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs)
• Spray both terminals with battery terminal anti-corrosion spray.

Step 9: Final check

• Confirm the battery does not move by hand (hold-down tight).
• Confirm both clamps are fully seated and not able to rotate on the posts.
• Reinstall any cover/duct removed earlier using the trim/flat screwdriver.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and verify it cranks normally.
• Check that the battery warning light is OFF.
• Reset the clock and radio presets if needed.
• Drive 15–20 minutes to help the charging system stabilize.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹6,500-₹11,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹5,500-₹10,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹1,000-₹2,500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹500-₹1,500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.