🔧 Accord - Battery Replacement

Replacing the battery is a straightforward job: you’ll remove the old battery, clean and reconnect the terminals, and secure the new battery so it can’t move around. This restores reliable starting power and prevents random electrical issues caused by a weak battery.

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 out of the car.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and safety glasses—battery acid is corrosive.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last to reduce short-circuit risk.
• ⚠️ Do not let a tool touch the battery positive (+) terminal and any metal body/brace at the same time.
• ⚠️ Batteries are heavy—lift with both hands and keep it upright.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect will typically erase clock/presets and may require the radio anti-theft code.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• 10mm combination wrench
• Torque wrench (inch-pound or small Nm range)
• Battery terminal brush (specialty)
• Battery carrier strap (specialty)
• Baking soda
• Clean shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V car battery (Group Size 51R) - 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 and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and locate the battery (front of engine bay).
• If you have one, a “memory saver” is optional. It’s a small device that plugs into the car to keep settings while the battery is disconnected.
• If you don’t use a memory saver, make sure you have your radio anti-theft code available (if equipped).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the battery and inspect

• Use safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Visually check for heavy corrosion (white/blue crust) on the terminals and any loose hold-down parts.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable

• Use a 10mm wrench (or 10mm socket with ratchet) to loosen the nut on the negative (-) terminal clamp.
• Wiggle and lift the clamp straight up off the battery post.
• Tuck the cable to the side so it can’t spring back and touch the terminal.

Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) battery cable

• Use a 10mm wrench (or 10mm socket) to loosen the nut on the positive (+) terminal clamp.
• Remove the clamp and position it so it cannot touch metal parts.

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down bracket

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension to remove the two hold-down nuts/bolts at the base of the bracket.
• Lift off the hold-down bracket and set it aside.
• Note how it sits so it goes back the same way.

Step 5: Remove the old battery

• Use a battery carrier strap (specialty) to lift the battery straight up and out.
• Keep the battery upright to avoid acid leakage.

Step 6: Clean the tray and terminals

• If corrosion is present, sprinkle baking soda on the corrosion and add a small amount of water to neutralize it (it may fizz).
• Use shop towels to wipe the tray clean and dry.
• Use a battery terminal brush (specialty) to lightly clean the inside of the cable clamps until metal is shiny. Clean metal makes a strong connection.

Step 7: Install the new battery

• Place the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one (positive and negative posts in the same positions).
• Make sure it sits fully down and flat in the tray.

Step 8: Reinstall and tighten the hold-down bracket

• Reinstall the hold-down bracket by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and then a torque wrench to tighten fasteners: Torque to 9.8 Nm (87 in-lbs).
• The battery should not move when you try to wiggle it.

Step 9: Reconnect the positive (+) cable first

• Install the positive (+) clamp onto the battery post.
• Use a 10mm socket and then a torque wrench: Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
• If using them, install felt washers and apply anti-corrosion spray after tightening.

Step 10: Reconnect the negative (-) cable last

• Install the negative (-) clamp onto the battery post.
• Use a 10mm socket and then a torque wrench: Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
• Apply anti-corrosion spray after tightening.

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Accord and confirm it cranks strongly and starts normally.
• Verify headlights, brake lights, and horn work.
• Set the clock and re-save radio presets if they were lost.
• If the radio is locked, enter the anti-theft code (if equipped).
• Recheck that the battery is secure and the terminals are tight (no twisting by hand).

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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.