🔧 Traverse - Battery Replacement

Replacing the 12-volt battery on your Traverse restores reliable starting power and helps prevent low-voltage electrical problems. The battery is located under the floor behind the front passenger seat area, not under the hood.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and gloves. Car batteries can leak acid and release explosive gas.
• ⚠️ Always remove the negative cable first and install it last. This lowers the chance of sparks.
• ⚠️ Do not touch a wrench between the positive terminal and any metal body part.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob away from the vehicle while working so systems do not wake up unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ The battery is heavy. Lift with both hands and keep it upright.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch extension
• Battery terminal puller (specialty)
• Battery terminal cleaning brush
• Torque wrench rated 5-50 Nm
• Trim removal tool
• Memory saver 12V OBD-II (optional specialty)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• AGM 12V battery - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal protectant - Qty: 1
• Battery hold-down hardware - Qty: 1, if corroded or damaged

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your Traverse on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🔑 Turn the ignition off and remove the key fob from the vehicle.
• ⏱️ Open a door, then wait at least 3 minutes before disconnecting the battery so vehicle modules can go to sleep.
• 💾 A memory saver is a small power supply that plugs into the OBD-II port to help retain clock, radio, and learned settings. It is optional.
• 📍 The battery is under the floor behind the front passenger seat area. Move the front passenger seat fully forward before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the Battery

• Use the seat controls to move the front passenger seat fully forward.
• Use your hands and a trim removal tool to lift the rear floor mat or floor covering behind the front passenger seat.
• Use the trim removal tool to remove the battery access cover if it is clipped in place.
• Take a photo first.

Step 2: Identify the Battery Cables

• Find the negative cable marked with a minus sign or black color.
• Find the positive cable marked with a plus sign or red cover.
• Do not remove the positive cable first.

Step 3: Disconnect the Negative Cable

• Use a 10mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and 3/8-inch extension to loosen the negative terminal nut.
• Lift the negative cable off the battery post.
• If the cable is stuck, use a battery terminal puller. A terminal puller gently lifts the cable clamp without bending it.
• Move the negative cable aside so it cannot touch the battery post.

Step 4: Disconnect the Positive Cable

• Open the red positive terminal cover by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and 3/8-inch extension to loosen the positive terminal nut.
• Lift the positive cable off the battery post.
• Keep the positive cable away from metal body parts.

Step 5: Remove the Battery Hold-Down

• Use a 13mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and 3/8-inch extension to remove the battery hold-down bolt or clamp.
• Set the hold-down hardware aside in a safe spot.
• The hold-down keeps the battery from moving during braking and turns.

Step 6: Remove the Old Battery

• Use both hands to lift the battery straight up and out of the tray.
• Keep the battery upright at all times.
• Place it on cardboard or the ground, not on a seat or carpet.
• Batteries are heavier than they look.

Step 7: Clean the Terminals and Tray

• Use a battery terminal cleaning brush to clean the inside of both cable clamps.
• Use the same brush to lightly clean the new battery posts if needed.
• Use gloves and safety glasses during cleaning.
• If you see white or blue crust, that is corrosion. Avoid touching it with bare hands.

Step 8: Install the New Battery

• Use both hands to lower the new AGM 12V battery into the tray.
• Make sure the positive and negative posts are positioned the same way as the old battery.
• Use the 13mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and torque wrench to reinstall the battery hold-down.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Connect the Positive Cable First

• Push the positive cable fully down onto the positive battery post.
• Use a 10mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and torque wrench to tighten the terminal nut.
• Torque to 6 Nm (53 in-lbs)
• Close the red positive terminal cover by hand.

Step 10: Connect the Negative Cable Last

• Push the negative cable fully down onto the negative battery post.
• Use a 10mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and torque wrench to tighten the terminal nut.
• Torque to 6 Nm (53 in-lbs)
• Apply battery terminal protectant to both terminals after tightening.

Step 11: Reinstall the Battery Cover and Floor Trim

• Use your hands to reinstall the battery access cover.
• Use the trim removal tool only if needed to guide clips into place.
• Reposition the floor covering and mat behind the passenger seat.
• Move the passenger seat back to its normal position.

Step 12: Reset Basic Vehicle Functions

• Use the key fob to unlock the doors.
• Start your Traverse and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.
• Use the infotainment screen to reset the clock if needed: Settings > Time and Date
• Use the driver window switch to relearn auto-up if needed: hold the window switch down until fully open, then hold it up until fully closed, then keep holding for 2 seconds.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm the engine starts normally without slow cranking.
• ✅ Check that the battery warning light turns off after starting.
• ✅ Make sure both battery terminals are tight and do not twist by hand.
• ✅ Verify the hold-down is secure so the battery cannot slide or lift.
• ✅ Drive normally for 10-15 minutes so the vehicle can relearn idle and charging behavior.
• ♻️ Recycle the old battery at an auto parts store or battery recycler.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $120-$180 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.