🔧 Altima - 12-Volt Battery Replacement

This is a straightforward beginner repair. The battery sits in the driver-side area of the engine compartment and is secured by a lower hold-down clamp. The battery aisle is open with compatible Group 47 AGM choices, including the Deka Intimidator AGM 9A47 at $211.05.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Specification note: Your replacement procedure uses 10mm terminal nuts and typically a 13mm lower hold-down bolt. Verify the hold-down socket fits fully before applying force. paulstravelpictures.com)

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses. Automotive batteries contain corrosive acid and can release explosive gas.
• 🔑 Switch the ignition completely off and keep the Intelligent Key away from the Altima.
• ⚡ Disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last.
• 🔧 Never let a metal tool touch the positive terminal and the vehicle body simultaneously.
• 🚫 Don’t smoke, create sparks, or work near an open flame.
• 🏋️ The battery is heavy. Lift with both hands and keep it upright.
• 🛑 Don’t perform this job while a battery charger is connected.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 1/4-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 6-inch socket extension
• 10mm combination wrench
• Battery terminal cleaning brush
• Battery carrying strap rated 50 pounds minimum
• Digital multimeter rated CAT III
• Inch-pound torque wrench rated 20-200 in-lbs
• Nitrile chemical-resistant gloves
• ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Group 47 H5 AGM 12-volt vehicle battery - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal protector washers - Qty: 1 set
• Battery terminal cleaner spray - Qty: 1

An AGM battery is a sealed, vibration-resistant battery design. Match the new battery’s terminal positions, dimensions, and rating to the old battery before installation. The catalog currently lists several compatible Group 47 AGM options. paulstravelpictures.com)

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Altima on level ground, select Park, apply the parking brake, and open the hood.
• ⏱️ Switch everything off and wait at least three minutes before disconnecting the battery.
• 🪟 Lower the driver’s window so you can reach the interior if the locks behave unexpectedly.
• 💾 Save radio presets and personal settings if desired. Some settings may be lost when power is removed.
• 🔍 Inspect the new battery for cracks, leaks, damaged posts, or shipping plugs that require removal.
• 📏 Place the old and new batteries beside each other and confirm their positive terminals are on the same side.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate and inspect the battery

• Open the hood and locate the battery in the driver-side portion of the engine compartment.
• Use the ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and nitrile chemical-resistant gloves before touching it.
• Inspect for swelling, cracks, leakage, or heavy corrosion. Stop if the case is swollen, frozen, or leaking.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative terminal

• Find the terminal marked with a minus sign.
• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4-inch drive ratchet to loosen the negative clamp nut.
• Twist the clamp gently and lift it straight off the battery post. Don’t pry against the battery case.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot spring back onto the post.
• Negative first keeps accidental sparks under control.

Step 3: Disconnect the positive terminal

• Lift the red protective cover from the terminal marked with a plus sign.
• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4-inch drive ratchet to loosen the positive clamp nut.
• Lift the clamp off and position it where it cannot touch the battery post or nearby metal.
• Close the red cover over the disconnected clamp when possible.

Step 4: Remove the battery cover and hold-down

• Lift the fabric heat shield or insulating cover from around the battery and save it for reuse.
• Locate the lower hold-down clamp beside the base of the battery.
• Use the 13mm socket, 6-inch socket extension, and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the hold-down bolt.
• Remove the clamp and place its hardware somewhere safe. The lower clamp arrangement and 13mm fastener are documented for this Altima generation. paulstravelpictures.com

Step 5: Remove the old battery

• Check once more that both cables and the hold-down are completely clear.
• Attach the battery carrying strap rated 50 pounds minimum if the battery lacks a secure handle.
• Lift the battery straight upward with both hands and keep it upright.
• Place it upright on a stable surface. Never place a wrench across its terminals.

Step 6: Clean the tray and terminals

• Use the battery terminal cleaning brush to remove corrosion from inside both cable clamps.
• Use battery terminal cleaner according to its label, then wipe everything dry.
• Inspect the battery tray, cables, and clamps for cracks or loose connections.
• Don’t install a battery over pooled acid or serious tray corrosion.

Step 7: Install the new battery

• Transfer the original heat shield to the new battery.
• Use the battery carrying strap rated 50 pounds minimum to lower the battery into the tray.
• Position the positive and negative posts exactly as they were on the old battery.
• Confirm the battery sits flat and doesn’t pinch any wiring.

Step 8: Install the hold-down clamp

• Reinstall the lower clamp and start its bolt by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the 13mm socket, 6-inch socket extension, and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to tighten it evenly.
• Tighten only until the battery cannot slide, lift, or rock. Don’t crush the plastic case.
• Torque note: Use the exact specification supplied with replacement hold-down hardware. If unavailable, tighten securely by hand without forcing the bolt.
• Battery clamps hold batteries, not suspension bridges.

Step 9: Connect the positive terminal

• Install a terminal protector washer over the positive post if included.
• Push the positive clamp fully down onto the post.
• Use the 10mm socket and in-inch-pound torque wrench rated 20-200 in-lbs to tighten the clamp.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Confirm the clamp cannot rotate by hand, then close the red cover.

Step 10: Connect the negative terminal

• Install the remaining terminal protector washer over the negative post if included.
• Push the negative clamp fully down onto the post.
• Use the 10mm socket and in-inch-pound torque wrench rated 20-200 in-lbs to tighten the clamp.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs). howtoo.com
• Confirm neither clamp rotates or lifts by hand.

Step 11: Check the installation

• Use the digital multimeter rated CAT III across the battery posts before starting.
• A fully charged resting battery should generally measure around 12.6 volts.
• Start the engine and confirm the warning lights complete their normal check.
• With the engine running, verify charging voltage rises above resting battery voltage.

---

✅ After Repair

• 🚗 Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes without pressing the accelerator.
• ⚠️ Confirm the charging-system warning light switches off.
• 🪟 Check automatic window operation. If auto-up or auto-down is lost, fully close the affected window and continue holding its switch briefly.
• 🕒 Restore the clock, radio presets, seat memory, and other personalized settings if needed.
• 🔒 Test the door locks, Intelligent Key, remote start, and push-button starting.
• 🔍 Recheck both terminals and the hold-down after the first drive. Nothing should move by hand.
• ♻️ Return the old battery to a battery retailer or recycling center. Never place it in household trash.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $240-$425 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $167-$355 (parts only)

You Save: Approximately $50-$150 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary by location. This repair usually takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hour.

---

🎯 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.