🔧 BRZ - Battery Replacement

Your BRZ’s 12V battery powers starting and all electronics. Replacing it is mostly unbolting the terminals and the hold-down bracket, then installing the new battery in the same position.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF, remove the key, and keep it away from the car.
• ⚠️ Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last to reduce short-circuit risk.
• ⚠️ Do not let a tool touch the battery positive (+) and any metal body part at the same time.
• ⚠️ Batteries can vent explosive gas—no smoking/sparks near the battery.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses; battery acid is corrosive.
• ℹ️ Battery disconnect may reset clock and window auto-up/down memory.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 10mm combination wrench
• 3/8" ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Battery terminal brush
• Trim clip tool
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Memory saver (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V battery (Group Size 35, 550 CCA or higher) - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion spray or grease - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal felt washers - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, select neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine bay cool if it’s hot.
• If you want to keep radio presets, use a memory saver (plugs into OBD-II/12V to maintain power during battery swap).
• Make sure you have the correct replacement battery size and terminal orientation before removing the old one.

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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 of the engine bay.
• If any small covers/air guides are in the way, remove their clips using a trim clip tool.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) terminal

• Use a 10mm wrench (or 10mm socket with ratchet) to loosen the negative terminal clamp nut.
• Twist the clamp gently and lift it off the battery post, then tuck it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Negative first prevents accidental shorts.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs) when reinstalling.

Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) terminal

• Use a 10mm wrench (or 10mm socket with ratchet) to loosen the positive terminal clamp nut.
• Lift the clamp off and position it so it cannot touch metal.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs) when reinstalling.

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension to remove the two hold-down nuts on the J-bolts.
• Lift off the hold-down bracket and set it aside.
• Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs) when reinstalling.

Step 5: Disconnect the battery vent tube (if equipped)

• Check the side of the battery for a small plastic vent tube.
• If present, pull it straight off by hand (use a shop rag for grip if needed).

Step 6: Remove the old battery

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Lift the battery straight up and out. It’s heavy—keep your back straight.

Step 7: Clean the tray and terminals

• Use a shop rag to wipe the battery tray clean.
• Use a battery terminal brush to clean the inside of both cable clamps until the metal looks bright.
• If corrosion is heavy, replace the felt washers and plan to use anti-corrosion spray.

Step 8: Install the new battery

• Set the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one (positive and negative posts in the same positions).
• Reconnect the vent tube (if equipped) by pushing it fully onto the battery vent port.

Step 9: Reinstall the hold-down

• Install the hold-down bracket and start both nuts by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension to snug evenly.
• Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
• Don’t overtighten—battery cases can crack.

Step 10: Reconnect terminals (positive first)

• Install felt washers (if using), then reconnect the positive (+) clamp first.
• Use a 10mm wrench to tighten the clamp.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the negative (-) clamp last, using a 10mm wrench.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).
• Apply battery terminal anti-corrosion spray or grease to both terminals.

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✅ After Repair

• Start your BRZ and confirm it cranks normally.
• Check that headlights, hazards, horn, and interior electronics work.
• Reset the clock and radio presets if they were lost.
• If the auto window function doesn’t work: with the car on, fully lower the window and hold the switch down 2 seconds, then fully raise it and hold 2 seconds.
• Look for any loose cables and make sure the battery cannot move in the tray.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $200-$350 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $80-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/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.