Jeep Cherokee
12V Automotive Battery Replacement Guide
How to change a dead 12 volt car battery
in the engine bay of a 5th generation 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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2015 Cherokee 2.4L I4 |
12V Car Battery |
Loosen Counterclockwise |
This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the fifth generation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and probably
also the revised 2018 model year) Jeep Cherokee in changing a dead
12V car battery in the engine bay. Owners of other Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and RAM vehicles such as the Compass, Renegade, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, 500, Town & Country, 200, 300, Pacifica, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan, RAM 1500, C/V Tradesman and ProMaster Van may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. A few compatible replacement "Group Size" 48 or H6 batteries with their part numbers are as follows: ACDelco 48AGM, Bosch S6585B S6 and EverStart MAXX-H6 (Walmart). The tools required to remove and replace the battery include a 10mm socket, an extension bar and a 1/4" drive ratchet. |
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Pull Off Negative Terminal |
Cover & Tuck Away |
Loosen 10mm Nut |
The first two steps
are to open the hood and then move to the right side of the engine bay. The 12V battery is located on the driver side of the engine bay in front of the fuse box and behind the windshield washer fluid filler tube. Loosen the nut on the negative "-" terminal by turning it counterclockwise with a 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet. Pull the negative terminal off the "-" battery post. Cover the terminal with a small towel and tuck it away on the right side of the battery to help prevent accidental electrical contact. Then loosen the 10mm nut on the positive "+" terminal by turning it counterclockwise. |
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Pull Off Positive Terminal |
Both Terminals Removed |
Lift Off Battery Box |
Pull the positive
terminal straight off the "+" battery post and tuck it away on the left side
of the battery. Pull the fabric battery cover or "heat shield" off the top of the battery and set it aside in a safe place. |
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OEM Battery Exposed |
Hold Down Clamp - Front |
Loosen Counterclockwise |
Locate the battery
hold down block or "clamp" at the bottom front edge of the tray.
Attach the 10mm socket to a 6" or longer extension bar and the ratchet. Loosen the battery hold down clamp bolt by turning it counterclockwise until it can be removed. |
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Long 10mm Bolt Removed |
Plastic Hold Down Clamp |
Lift Out Old Battery |
Set the long 10mm
bolt aside in a safe place. Remove the plastic battery hold down clamp an set it aside with the bolt. Raise the plastic handle on the OEM battery and lift it out of the engine bay. |
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Johnson Controls Battery |
Part Number 56029635AC |
Clean Off Battery Tray |
Gently set the old
battery on the ground. Try to avoid dropping or tipping over the old battery to prevent from having acid leak out. Be sure to take the old battery with you to the auto parts store or Walmart to avoid having to pay a "core", "disposal" or "recycling" fee. The retailer will also have the old battery properly recycled. If you can wait a few days for delivery, I recommend buying the ACDelco 48AGM battery since it has excellent reviews on Amazon. Clean off any debris from the plastic battery tray so that the new battery will rest evenly on it. |
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Lower In New Battery |
Replace Plastic Clamp |
Long 10mm Bolt |
Gently lower the
new 12V battery in to the engine bay with the positive "+" post on the left
(passenger) side and the negative "-" post on the right (driver) side. Lower the plastic battery hold down block on to the front lower edge of the tray. Re-insert the long 10mm bolt and spin it in a few turns by hand to prevent it from becoming cross threaded. |
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Spin In 10mm Bolt |
Tighten 10mm Clockwise |
Replace Battery Heat Shield |
Tighten the 10mm
bolt by turning it clockwise until it is snug. Double check that the new battery can't be moved, rocked or slid around on the tray. If the new battery can be moved, tighten the 10mm bolt an extra turn or two. Lower the heat shield cover on to the new battery. |
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Push On Positive Terminal |
Tighten Clockwise |
Push On Negative Terminal |
If you've had a
problem with corrosion (white or blue powder) building up on the battery
posts or the terminals, I recommend installing some
felt anti-corrosion washers. Push the positive terminal on to the "+" battery post. Tighten the 10mm nut in the clockwise direction until it is snug. Try to avoid over tightening the terminal nut to prevent from damaging the battery post which could lead to an acid leak. |
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Tighten 10mm Clockwise |
12V Battery Installed |
Start Engine - Test Battery |
Push the negative
terminal on to the "-" battery post and tighten the 10mm nut in the
clockwise direction. To test the new 12 volt battery, start the engine and turn on the headlights. Please remember to adjust the time on the clock and program your favorite radio station presets before you start driving. For more,
check out all of my
Jeep Cherokee DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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