How to Replace the Battery on a 2018 Chevrolet Trax (Step-by-Step DIY Guide)
Tools, parts, safety tips, and torque specs for a quick, spark-safe battery swap for 2018, 2019, 2020
How to Replace the Battery on a 2018 Chevrolet Trax (Step-by-Step DIY Guide)
Tools, parts, safety tips, and torque specs for a quick, spark-safe battery swap for 2018, 2019, 2020
🔧 Trax - Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery on your Trax is a straightforward under-hood job: disconnect the cables, remove the hold-down, swap the battery, then reconnect in the correct order. Doing it correctly prevents electrical damage and avoids sparks.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and keep the key/fob at least 10 feet away from the vehicle.
- ⚠️ Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last to reduce spark risk.
- ⚠️ Do not let a tool touch the battery positive (+) and any metal body parts at the same time.
- ⚠️ Batteries are heavy and contain acid—wear gloves and safety glasses.
- ⚠️ If your Trax has a battery vent tube, reinstall it exactly as found.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 3/8" ratchet
- 6" extension (3/8")
- Torque wrench (3/8" drive)
- Battery terminal brush
- Plastic trim tool
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Fender cover
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- 12V battery (Group H5/47 equivalent) - Qty: 1
- Battery terminal protectant spray - Qty: 1
- Anti-corrosion felt washers - Qty: 2
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- Open the hood and let the engine bay cool if it was just driven.
- If you want to preserve radio presets and clock, use a memory saver (a small device that keeps vehicle power while the battery is removed).
- Make sure all lights are OFF and all doors are closed before disconnecting the battery.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Access the battery
- Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine bay.
- If there’s a battery cover or intake ducting in the way, gently release clips using a plastic trim tool.
Step 2: Disconnect the negative (-) cable
- Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet to loosen the negative terminal clamp.
- Lift the negative cable off the battery post and tuck it aside so it cannot spring back.
- Negative off first prevents accidental shorting.
Step 3: Disconnect the positive (+) cable
- Use a 10mm socket to loosen the positive terminal clamp.
- Lift the positive cable off and position it so it cannot touch metal.
Step 4: Remove the battery hold-down
- At the base of the battery, remove the hold-down bolt using a 13mm socket, 6" extension (3/8"), and 3/8" ratchet.
- Set the hold-down bracket and bolt aside where they won’t get lost.
Step 5: Remove the old battery
- Lift the battery straight up and out (use proper lifting posture—bend your knees).
- If your Trax has a vent tube attached to the battery, carefully remove it before lifting the battery out.
Step 6: Clean the tray and terminals
- Use a battery terminal brush to clean inside the cable clamps until the metal looks bright.
- Wipe the battery tray area clean and remove any debris.
Step 7: Install the new battery
- Place the new battery into the tray in the same orientation as the old one.
- If equipped, reconnect the vent tube to the battery.
- Reinstall the hold-down bracket and bolt using a 13mm socket.
- Tighten the hold-down bolt with a torque wrench (3/8" drive): Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
Step 8: Reconnect the positive (+) cable first
- Install the positive terminal onto the battery post.
- Tighten the terminal clamp bolt using a 10mm socket, then finish with a torque wrench (3/8" drive): Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
- Install anti-corrosion felt washers if you’re using them, then apply battery terminal protectant spray.
Step 9: Reconnect the negative (-) cable last
- Install the negative terminal onto the battery post.
- Tighten using a 10mm socket, then torque: Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
Step 10: Reinstall any covers/ducts
- Reinstall any battery cover or intake parts you removed, using a plastic trim tool to snap clips in place.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and confirm it cranks strongly and idles normally.
- Check that the charging system warning light is OFF.
- Reset the clock and radio presets if needed.
- If the power windows act strange, relearn by holding the window switch fully down for 3 seconds, then fully up for 3 seconds.
- Make sure the battery is secure (it should not move in the tray).
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: ₹8,000-₹18,000 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: ₹6,000-₹15,000 (parts only)
You Save: ₹2,000-₹3,000 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹700-₹1500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.
🎯 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.

















