🔧 Telluride - 12V Battery Replacement

On your Telluride, the 12V battery powers starting and all vehicle electronics. Replacing it is straightforward, but the order you remove and install the cables matters to prevent short circuits and module glitches.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work in a ventilated area; batteries can vent explosive gas.
• ⚠️ Keep metal tools away from both battery terminals at the same time.
• ⚠️ Always remove the negative (-) terminal first and install it last.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and eye protection; battery acid is corrosive.
• 🔧 No battery “registration” is required on your Telluride, but some settings may reset.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)
• Battery terminal brush (specialty)
• Plastic trim tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V battery (correct fit for Telluride) - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion pads - Qty: 2
• Battery terminal protectant spray - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to P, and turn the vehicle fully off.
• 🧠 If you want to preserve radio presets, use a memory saver (optional). A memory saver keeps settings during battery swap.
• 🔥 Let the engine bay cool if you just drove the vehicle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the hood and access the battery

• Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine bay.
• If there’s a plastic cover/shroud in the way, remove it using a plastic trim tool (release the clips gently).

Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) terminal

• Use a 10mm socket with a ratchet to loosen the negative (-) terminal clamp nut.
• Wiggle and lift the clamp straight up off the post (don’t pry on the battery case).
• Tuck the negative cable aside so it cannot spring back and touch the terminal.
• Negative off first prevents accidental shorts.

Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) terminal

• Flip open the red protective cap (if equipped).
• Use a 10mm socket to loosen the positive (+) terminal clamp nut.
• Lift the clamp straight up and move it safely aside.

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use a 12mm socket, ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the battery hold-down bolt(s).
• Remove the hold-down bracket and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old battery

• Lift the battery straight up and out (it’s heavy—lift with your legs).
• Place it on the ground upright.

Step 6: Clean the terminals and tray

• Use a battery terminal brush (specialty) to lightly clean the inside of each cable clamp until the metal looks bright.
• Wipe the battery tray area clean and dry.

Step 7: Install the new battery

• Set the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one (positive terminal on the same side as before).
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket and bolt(s) using a 12mm socket and ratchet.
• Tighten using a torque wrench: Torque to 18.6 Nm (13.7 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the positive (+) terminal

• Install an anti-corrosion pad (optional) on the positive post.
• Push the positive clamp fully down on the post.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket, then finish with a torque wrench: Torque to 5.9 Nm (52 in-lbs).
• Close the red protective cap (if equipped).

Step 9: Reconnect the negative (-) terminal

• Install an anti-corrosion pad (optional) on the negative post.
• Push the negative clamp fully down on the post.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket, then finish with a torque wrench: Torque to 5.9 Nm (52 in-lbs).
• Spray terminals lightly with battery terminal protectant (optional).

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Telluride and confirm it cranks strongly and runs normally.
• Check that no warning lights stay on after a short drive (some lights may clear after steering/ABS self-check).
• If one-touch windows don’t work: fully raise the window, then keep holding the switch up for 2-3 seconds to re-learn.
• Set the clock and radio presets if they reset.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$150 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.