🔋 Battery - Replacement

Replacing the battery on your Equinox is a straightforward job, but you need to disconnect it in the right order and secure the new one properly. This helps prevent electrical damage and keeps the vehicle’s power system stable.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the ignition fully off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Battery acid and corrosion can irritate skin and eyes.
• Disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last.
• Do not let a metal tool bridge both battery terminals at the same time.
• If your Equinox has any stored radio or memory settings, they may reset when power is disconnected.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• 6-inch extension
• Battery terminal puller
• Battery terminal brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Memory saver (optional specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 12V battery - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal cleaner spray - Qty: 1
• Anti-corrosion battery terminal pads - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure all lights, HVAC, and accessories are off.
• If you have a memory saver, connect it before disconnecting the battery.
• Open the hood and locate the battery under the hood.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the negative cable

• Use a 10mm socket and 1/4-inch ratchet to loosen the negative battery terminal.
• Lift the negative cable off the battery post and move it aside so it cannot spring back.
• Negative first, always.

Step 2: Disconnect the positive cable

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

Step 3: Remove the battery hold-down

• Use the 10mm socket and 6-inch extension to remove the battery hold-down fastener.
• Lift out the hold-down bracket and set it aside.
• Torque on reassembly: 9 Nm (80 in-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the old battery

• Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the tray. Batteries are heavy, so use both hands.
• If needed, use a battery terminal puller only if a cable is stuck on a post.

Step 5: Clean the tray and terminals

• Use a battery terminal brush and terminal cleaner spray to clean corrosion from the cable ends and battery tray.
• Make sure the tray is dry before installing the new battery.

Step 6: Install the new battery

• Set the new battery into the tray in the same position as the old one.
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket and tighten it with the 10mm socket.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs)

Step 7: Reconnect the positive cable

• Install the positive cable first using the 10mm socket.
• Tighten the clamp securely, but do not overtighten.

Step 8: Reconnect the negative cable

• Install the negative cable last using the 10mm socket.
• Tighten the clamp securely.
• Last on, last off reversed.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally.
• Check the dash for warning lights.
• Reset the clock and any radio presets if needed.
• Let the engine idle for a few minutes so the vehicle can relearn basic settings.
• Test power windows and any one-touch functions if they were lost.

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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.