🔧 Accord - Battery Replacement

Replacing the battery restores reliable starting and stable electrical power. On your Accord, the battery sits in the engine bay and is held down with a simple bracket and two terminal clamps.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep sparks/flames away; battery gas is flammable.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and safety glasses; battery acid can burn skin/eyes.
• ⚠️ Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first and reconnect it last.
• ⚠️ Don’t let a tool bridge between the battery positive and metal body parts.
• ⚠️ If you use a “memory saver,” follow its instructions carefully (it keeps power to the car while you swap the battery).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension for ratchet
• 10mm combination wrench
• Battery terminal brush (specialty)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Shop rags
• 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 pads - Qty: 2
• Battery terminal protectant spray - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the ignition OFF, and remove the key.
• Turn off all accessories (headlights, radio, HVAC).
• Pop the hood and let the engine bay cool if it’s hot.
• If your radio requires an anti-theft code after power loss, have it ready before you disconnect the battery.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the battery and identify terminals

• Find the battery in the engine bay.
• Identify negative (-) (usually black cable) and positive (+) (usually under a red cover).

Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) terminal

• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet to loosen the negative terminal clamp nut.
• Twist and lift the clamp off the battery post.
• Tuck the negative cable aside so it can’t spring back to the post.
• Negative off first prevents accidental shorting.
• Torque to 5 Nm (3.6 ft-lbs) when tightening later.

Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) terminal

• If equipped, open the cover using your hand or a small flathead screwdriver.
• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet to loosen the positive terminal clamp nut.
• Lift the clamp off the post and keep it from touching any metal parts.
• Torque to 5 Nm (3.6 ft-lbs) when tightening later.

Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension for ratchet to remove the two hold-down nuts.
• Lift off the hold-down bracket and set it aside.
• Torque to 10 Nm (7.2 ft-lbs) when tightening later.

Step 5: Lift out the old battery

• Grab the battery by its handle (if present) and lift straight up and out.
• Set it on the ground upright (batteries can leak if tipped).
• Wipe any dirt/corrosion from the tray using shop rags.

Step 6: Clean the terminals and install anti-corrosion pads

• Use a battery terminal brush (specialty) to clean the inside of each cable clamp until shiny metal is visible.
• Place battery terminal anti-corrosion pads on the battery posts (one per post).
• Lightly spray battery terminal protectant spray on the terminals after everything is tightened (not before).
• Clean metal = better starting and charging.

Step 7: Install the new battery and secure it

• Lower the new Group Size 51R battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one.
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket using a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension for ratchet.
• Torque to 10 Nm (7.2 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect terminals (positive first, negative last)

• Install the positive (+) clamp first using a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Torque to 5 Nm (3.6 ft-lbs).
• Install the negative (-) clamp last using a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Torque to 5 Nm (3.6 ft-lbs).
• Apply battery terminal protectant spray lightly around the connection points.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks strongly.
• Check that the battery is firmly held and the terminals don’t rotate by hand.
• If idle is rough, let the engine idle for a few minutes with all accessories off (it may “relearn” after power loss).
• Reset the clock and radio presets as needed; enter the radio anti-theft code if prompted.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (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.