Replacing the batteries

[rodegard]

I'm checking this out in advance to find out if there is certain steps to take when installing new batteries in my 3rd gen. 2005 3/4Ton 4x4 Dodge Diesel. I guess I'm a little gun shy about changing something or damaging the computer.

 

[LNaugle]

positives first then negatives...

 

[Wayne M.]

That's the ticket. I like to use terminal pullers and spreaders. No hitting of terminals by me. Also plan how you're going to lift over the fender out and in. Stand on a milk crate etc. You don't want to have to rest it on anything like the fender. I have a clamp type battery lifter. There are other types. Not all have built in straps. Be real careful when swinging the wrench. I've seen a battery explode on a co worker.

 

[Wingate]

I pull negatives first. If you pull a positive and it contacts something before you get the other battery disconnected... sparks tend to fly! Once both negatives are pulled, if one of the positives touches a fender or other metallic object, nothing will happen. Pull negatives first and install negatives last.

 

[cerberusiam]

I pull negatives first. If you pull a positive and it contacts something before you get the other battery disconnected... sparks tend to fly!

Yep, and if your lucky you don't have to replace the ECU. They do NOT like power surges and dead shorts.

 

[LFalconer]

What Wingate said is correct. Pull both negatives first, then positives. Current flow is from Negative to Positive. Once negative terminals are disconnected there is no chance of the positive terminals contacting parts of the truck and causing shorts. Good time to clean the terminals - I use technican grade cleaner then the red battery terminal light grease to ensure no corrosion. Also, check your battery trays while the batts are out and clean those with baking soda solution to negate the acid, then you can repaint, or apply WD-40 or another film lube to help prevent rust.

Of course replacing batts in pairs is a good idea if the batts are more than a year old or so.

Luke

 

[LNaugle]

never install grounds first!

 

[Bob4x4]

What Wingate said is correct. Pull both negatives first, then positives. Current flow is from Negative to Positive. Once negative terminals are disconnected there is no chance of the positive terminals contacting parts of the truck and causing shorts. Good time to clean the terminals - I use technican grade cleaner then the red battery terminal light grease to ensure no corrosion. Also, check your battery trays while the batts are out and clean those with baking soda solution to negate the acid, then you can repaint, or apply WD-40 or another film lube to help prevent rust.

Of course replacing batts in pairs is a good idea if the batts are more than a year old or so.

Luke

Good advice for the most part but us 3rd gunners have plastic battery trays

 

[seafish]

Just to clarify, the OP was asking about battery INSTALLATION, so in that case, LNaugle is correct, install Positive cable(s) first, and then install Negative ground cable(s).

For battery REMOVAL, which of course needs to happen BEFORE battery installation, one removes the Negative ground(S) first, and ONLY then the Positive cable(s)

The reason being for this order is, as Wingate and Cerb indicated, to prevent sparking and voltage surges that can EASILY harm or destroy the sensitive electronics on many modern vehicles.

 

[LFalconer]

Bob4x4 - You are correct - plastic is better! I have an old 79 Ford F250 that I just replaced the battery and the tray in..... Thanks!

Luke