🔧 Battery - Replacement

The battery on your Equinox is a straightforward replacement, but the power steering, radio, and other settings can reset when power is removed. The battery is under the hood, so you do not need to remove seats or trim panels.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Battery acid and corrosion can irritate skin and eyes.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from the battery.
• Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable.
• Reconnect the positive cable first, then the negative cable.
• Support the battery carefully. It is heavy and can tip.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Battery terminal puller (specialty)
• Baking soda and water solution
• Battery terminal brush
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V automotive battery - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal protectant spray - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure the ignition is off and all accessories are off.
• Open the hood and locate the battery on the driver side front area.
• If the terminals are corroded, clean them before installing the new battery.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the negative cable

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery terminal clamp.
• Remove the negative cable from the battery post and move it aside so it cannot touch the battery.
• Negative first always.

Step 2: Disconnect the positive cable

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the positive terminal clamp.
• Lift the positive cable off the battery post and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use a 13mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the battery hold-down fastener.
• Remove the hold-down bracket and keep the hardware together.

Step 4: Remove the battery

• Lift the battery straight up and out of the tray.
• Use both hands. Batteries are heavy.
• Check the tray for rust, dirt, or leakage.

Step 5: Clean the tray and terminals

• Use the baking soda and water solution and a battery terminal brush to clean corrosion from the cable ends and tray.
• Dry the area before installing the new battery.
• A clean connection helps starting.

Step 6: Install the new battery

• Place the new battery into the tray with the terminals in the same position as the old one.
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket using the 13mm socket and tighten it securely.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the cables

• Install the positive cable first and tighten it with the 10mm wrench.
• Install the negative cable second and tighten it with the 10mm wrench.
• Do not overtighten the terminal clamps.

Step 8: Protect the terminals

• Apply battery terminal protectant spray to help slow future corrosion.
• Make sure both terminals are fully seated and secure.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally.
• Check the dash for warning lights.
• Reset the clock and any lost radio presets if needed.
• Verify the battery terminals do not move by hand.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $130-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 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.