ok, i know this is really stupid, (i apologize in advance for being a *complete* dumass) but how do i change the battery in my camaro?

the old one ran outta juice (has been recharged before, but now i think it's as dead as a doornail)

how do i a) disconnect the battery (so i can bring it to sears and get another one)

and how do i b) hook up the new battery?

 

Two things to worry about when removing a battery: 1. battery cables, and 2. battery hold down

The battery cables will be on the back side of the battery, facing the motor. Simply unscrew them and pull them away from the battery. Remember how they came off, as they have to be hooked up exactly like that, and not reversed.

Next, find the little piece of metal that holds the battery down, and remove the screw holding it in. Once this is done, the battery can be removed.

NOTE: I just checked, and on my Z28, the hold down was either missing or never installed. If this is the case, just unscrew the battery cables and lift the old battery out.

Let me know if this helps.

 

Unhook the cables (you'll need a small wrench, forget what size). Unhook the cable closest to the driver's side first.

There is a small holding "nut" that secures the battery down so it doesn't bump/move around. I don't know the size since this is going by memory...just loosen it then it should come up.

Pull out battery carefully and voila. Done.

If you get a Optima battery, it might takes some time to get it to fit right. Mine was kind of a pain.

 

the size wrench you need is 8mm i believe, not sure about the bolt to hold the battery down, i forget.

 

Yea, 8mm for the terminals......and its a 13 MM and you'll need an extension for the hold down. When you go to reattach the terminals, tighten them down good, but DON'T strip em. The threads on the Battery are cut into lead and will strip out easily.

 

is this something that i should do myself, or should i really get someone who knows what they're doing to do this?

do u think i could do this by following these directions, or do i need special tools and stuff? i have a lot of regular tools at my disposal.

 

I say go for it. It's three screws to unscew, at the most. With regular tools, it should take a maximum of five minutes.

 

The question was not dumb, but if you let someone else do it for you, that will be.

grab a set of pliers and DISCONNECT. takes all of 10 sec.

 

ok i have a question.. on the battery hold down.. i know on the towards the rear of the car it has the tie down with the bolt and plastic piece.. but.. is it suposed to have a lip on the battery tray on the front side at all? im just curious because i notcied the battery can rock backwards even with it tied down on the back side.. and can hit the a/c condensor and would seriulsy screw some things up.. it could, in some cases, even swing backwards like this under hard acceleration.. just curious if it is suposed to have a lip and mine is just broke.

 

Yes, the battery should be secure in any direction.

If you get a battery from a place like Autozone or Advance, I believe they will come out, do the swap for you, and take your old one as a core all at the same time.

 

now, here is the problem: it's dead as a doornail, i.e. i can't drive to autozone/sears and have them install it for me.

*however* i do have a battery charger (not a very powerful one). Should I hook it up to the battery and try to charge it enough to drive my maro downtown, or should i just take my subaru downtown, get another battery and install it myself?

the battery was low when my maro was running before - it might take a lil charge, but should I even risk it?

 

Just jumpstart the car and drive it down there. Once the car is started everything will run off of the alternator. The battery is only in there to start the car, or power you stereo and stuff when it's not running. I've been doing this the last 3 months. My Z's battery is dead, and I haven't got around to buy a new one yet. When I want to take her out I just jump it.

 

cool - that's what i'm gonna do tomorrow.
thanks!

 

So, did you get it done?

 

I'm sure you know that thats not good on an alternator right? I've seen MANY burned out units from this exact sceinario. I would just go and get a cheap battery from the zone or something and give the alternator a break. Just a little helpful advice.