🔋 Battery - Replacement

Your battery replacement is a straightforward job. On your Tundra, the main goal is to safely disconnect the old battery, swap it out, and clean the terminals so the new battery charges and cranks properly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Battery acid can burn skin and eyes.
• Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not smoke or create sparks near the battery.
• Disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal.
• Reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal.
• Battery may be heavy. Lift with both hands and keep it upright.
• No battery disconnect/coding is normally required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Battery terminal brush
• Battery strap or lift handle
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• 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 protector spray - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn everything OFF: lights, radio, HVAC, and accessories.
• Open the hood and locate the battery.
• If you use a memory saver, connect it before disconnecting the battery.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the battery

• Open the hood and secure it.
• Find the battery in the engine bay.
• Keep metal tools away from both terminals.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative terminal

• Use a 10mm wrench or 10mm socket to loosen the negative terminal clamp.
• Remove the negative cable and set it aside so it cannot spring back to the post.

Step 3: Disconnect the positive terminal

• Use a 10mm wrench or 10mm socket to loosen the positive terminal clamp.
• Remove the positive cable and keep it clear of the battery.

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the hold-down clamp or bracket.
• Set the hardware aside in a safe spot.

Step 5: Lift out the old battery

• Use a battery strap or lift handle if available.
• Lift the battery straight up and out of the tray.
• Battery is heavy—use both hands.

Step 6: Clean the tray and terminals

• Use a battery terminal brush to clean corrosion from the cable ends and battery tray area.
• Wipe away any loose dirt or buildup before installing the new battery.

Step 7: Install the new battery

• Set the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one.
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket with a 10mm socket and ratchet.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs) for the battery hold-down, if equipped.

Step 8: Reconnect the terminals

• Install the positive cable first and tighten it with a 10mm wrench or 10mm socket.
• Install the negative cable second and tighten it the same way.
• Torque to 5-7 Nm (44-62 in-lbs) for terminal clamps.
• Apply battery terminal protector spray after both cables are secure.

Step 9: Confirm the installation

• Make sure both clamps are tight and cannot rotate by hand.
• Close the hood and start the engine.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally.
• Check for warning lights on the dash.
• Reset your clock and any radio presets if needed.
• If the battery light stays on, recheck terminal tightness and battery condition.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $110-$190 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?

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.