🔧 Savana - Battery Replacement

Replacing the battery restores reliable starting and prevents low-voltage issues (slow crank, warning lights, no-start). On your Savana, the battery sits under the hood and is held down with a clamp and bolt.

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

Assumption: battery is under-hood, top-post terminals, standard hold-down.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF, remove the key, and keep doors closed while you work.
• ⚠️ Never let a tool touch both battery posts (or post-to-metal) at the same time.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative (-) cable first and reconnect it last to reduce short-circuit risk.
• ⚠️ Wear eye protection—battery corrosion is acidic.
• ⚠️ Do not smoke or create sparks near the battery.
• 🔧 Battery disconnect is recommended; expect radio presets/clock to reset.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive)
• Battery terminal puller (specialty)
• Battery post/terminal cleaning brush
• Trim clip tool
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V starting battery (correct group size for your Savana) - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion spray - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal felt washers - Qty: 1 set

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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.
• Lay out tools so nothing metal can fall across the battery.
• If you see heavy crusty buildup (white/blue powder), plan to clean the terminals before installing the new battery.

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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.
• If a cover or air duct blocks access, release clips using a trim clip tool and set it aside with shop rags under it.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable

• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet to loosen the negative terminal clamp nut.
• Twist and lift the cable end off the negative post, then tuck it aside so it cannot spring back.
• If it’s stuck, use a battery terminal puller (specialty) (this tool gently pushes the clamp off without hammering).

Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) battery cable

• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet to loosen the positive terminal clamp nut.
• Lift the cable end off and position it away from the battery.
• Tip: Cover the + cable with a rag.

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down

• Locate the hold-down clamp at the base of the battery.
• Use a 13mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 3/8" ratchet to remove the hold-down bolt.
• Remove the clamp and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old battery

• Wearing nitrile gloves and safety glasses, lift the battery straight up and out.
• Set it on the ground upright (batteries are heavy and can leak if tipped).

Step 6: Clean the tray and terminals

• Wipe the battery tray clean using shop rags.
• Clean the inside of both cable clamps using a battery post/terminal cleaning brush until shiny metal appears.
• If you’re using felt washers, place them on the battery posts now.

Step 7: Install the new battery

• Place the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one (posts aligned with cables).
• Reinstall the hold-down clamp and bolt using a 13mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 3/8" ratchet.
• Tighten with a torque wrench (3/8" drive): Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the positive (+) cable first

• Install the positive clamp fully down on the positive post.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket and torque wrench (3/8" drive): Torque to 15 Nm (11 ft-lbs).
• Spray light protection on the terminal using battery terminal anti-corrosion spray.

Step 9: Reconnect the negative (-) cable last

• Install the negative clamp fully down on the negative post.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket and torque wrench (3/8" drive): Torque to 15 Nm (11 ft-lbs).
• Spray light protection on the terminal using battery terminal anti-corrosion spray.

Step 10: Reinstall any covers and do a quick check

• Reinstall any battery cover/ducting using the trim clip tool as needed.
• Gently try to move the battery by hand—there should be no shifting.
• Verify both clamps are fully seated and not crooked.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks strongly.
• Check that no battery/charging warnings stay on after starting.
• Set the clock and restore radio presets if needed.
• If the idle seems a little odd at first, let it idle a few minutes with all accessories off, then drive normally.
• Return the old battery for a core credit (most parts stores require this).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $140-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $80-$160 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.