🔧 Battery - Replacement

The battery on your Ram is replaced from the engine compartment. This job is straightforward, but you need to disconnect the terminals in the right order and secure the battery correctly so it does not move while driving.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Battery acid can burn skin and eyes.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key fob from the vehicle.
• Do not let a wrench touch both battery terminals at the same time.
• Keep sparks, cigarettes, and open flames away from the battery.
• Battery replacement does not require disconnecting the vehicle battery first beyond removing the cables in order.
• Use caution lifting the battery. It is heavy.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Battery terminal puller (specialty)
• Battery carrier strap
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Memory saver (optional)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition off and make sure all accessories are off.
• If you use a memory saver, connect it before disconnecting the battery.
• Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine bay.

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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.
• Lift the cable off the battery post and move it aside so it cannot spring back.
• Remove the negative first.

Step 2: Disconnect the positive cable

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the positive terminal.
• Remove the cable from the battery post and keep it away from metal.

Step 3: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the battery hold-down bolt or clamp.
• Remove the hold-down piece and set it aside.

Step 4: Lift out the battery

• Use a battery carrier strap or lift by hand with both hands.
• Carefully remove the battery from the tray.
• Bend your knees, not your back.

Step 5: Clean the battery tray and terminals

• Use a battery terminal cleaner to clean any corrosion from the cable ends.
• Wipe the battery tray clean before installing the new battery.

Step 6: Install the new battery

• Set the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one.
• Install the hold-down and use a 13mm socket to tighten it.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the cables

• Install the positive cable first and tighten it with a 10mm wrench.
• Then install the negative cable and tighten it with a 10mm wrench.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs) for the terminal clamps.
• Apply battery terminal protectant spray to help prevent corrosion.

Step 8: Verify operation

• Start the engine and check for normal cranking.
• Verify the dash lights, radio, and power accessories operate normally.
• Make sure the battery is secure and the cables do not move.

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✅ After Repair

• Reset the clock and any saved radio settings if needed.
• Check for warning lights after starting.
• If the truck cranks slowly, recheck terminal tightness and battery condition.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$360 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $140-$240 (parts only)

You Save: $80-$120 by doing it yourself!

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

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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