You've probably been in a situation where your car won't start, and you wonder if the battery is the problem. You're not alone, many people face this with their 2018 Chevy Equinox. The good news is that changing the battery yourself is not as hard as it seems. You just need to know the right way to do it, and I'll walk you through every detail. By the end, you'll have your Equinox ready to go with a fresh battery, saving time and money.
Find the Right Battery for Your Chevy Equinox
Before you start, it's very important to get the correct battery for your 2018 Chevy Equinox. Using the wrong battery can cause problems with your car's electrical system and may not fit properly. Your Equinox needs a specific size and power, which you can find in the owner's manual or by checking with an auto parts store.
Most 2018 Chevy Equinox models use a Group 48 (H6) battery with a cold cranking amps (CCA) rating of around 700 to 800. CCA tells you how much power the battery can give to start the car in cold weather. Make sure the battery you pick has enough CCA, or your car might struggle to start in winter. Also, check the battery's warranty, longer warranties mean better quality.
When you shop for a battery, you can go to a store or order online. Some stores even offer free installation or test your old battery to confirm it's the problem. Make sure to compare prices and brands, but don't buy just the cheapest battery. It's better to spend a little more for a reliable battery that lasts longer.
Before buying, look at the battery terminals, the metal parts where the cables connect. The new battery should have the terminals in the right position to match your Equinox's cables. If the terminals don't line up, it can be tricky to connect and might cause damage.
To sum up:
- Check your Equinox's manual for battery size and CCA rating
- Choose a Group 48 (H6) battery with about 700-800 CCA
- Look for a good warranty for better quality
- Buy from a trusted store or online with good reviews
- Make sure the battery terminals fit your car cables
Prepare Your Tools and Safety Gear Before You Start
Changing a car battery needs some tools and safety gear to protect yourself and do the job right. You don't want to get hurt or damage your car by rushing without the right equipment.
First, find a wrench or socket set to loosen and tighten the battery terminals. Most Chevy Equinox batteries use 10mm bolts, so a 10mm wrench or socket is usually best. Having a battery terminal cleaner brush can help remove dirt or corrosion for a good connection.
Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes. Batteries contain acid and can give off harmful gases, so it's smart to be careful. Also, work in a well-ventilated area or outside if possible to avoid breathing in any fumes.
Make sure your car is turned off and the keys are out of the ignition. You don't want the electrical system running while you're working on the battery. Also, avoid touching both terminals with any metal tool to prevent sparks or shocks.
Keep a clean rag or towel nearby to wipe any dirt or battery acid from the terminals. If you see white or green powder around the battery, it's corrosion, and you should clean it carefully.
Finally, have your new battery close to the car so you can install it quickly once the old one is out. The quicker you finish, the less risk of losing settings like your radio presets or clock.
To recap:
- Get a 10mm wrench or socket set
- Use gloves and safety glasses for protection
- Work in a well-ventilated or outdoor area
- Turn off the car and remove keys
- Have a rag for cleaning corrosion
- Keep the new battery nearby ready for installation
Remove the Old Battery Carefully
Now that you have everything ready, it's time to take out the old battery. This part needs care because the battery is heavy and has electrical power.
Start by opening the hood and finding the battery, it's usually on the driver's side near the front. Look for any plastic covers and remove them if needed.
First, disconnect the negative terminal (black cable). Loosen the bolt with your wrench and gently pull the cable off. Always disconnect the negative side first to prevent short circuits.
Next, disconnect the positive terminal (red cable) the same way. Be careful not to let the wrench touch any metal parts while working on the positive terminal.
After the cables are off, check if your battery is held down by a clamp or bracket. Use the wrench to remove the bolts or screws holding it in place. Keep these parts safe because you'll need them for the new battery.
Now, lift the battery straight up and out. Batteries are heavy, usually around 40 pounds, so lift with your knees, not your back, to avoid injury.
If the battery looks dirty or corroded, clean the tray with a brush and some baking soda mixed with water to neutralize acid. Dry it well before putting the new battery in.
Remember:
- Open hood and locate battery
- Remove any plastic covers
- Disconnect negative (black) terminal first
- Then disconnect positive (red) terminal
- Remove any clamps or brackets holding battery
- Lift battery out carefully, using safe lifting techniques
- Clean battery tray if needed before installing new one
Install the New Battery Correctly
Putting the new battery in is just as important as removing the old one. If you don't do it right, your car might not start or the battery could get damaged.
Place the new battery into the tray, making sure the terminals are in the correct position. The negative terminal should line up with the black cable, and the positive terminal with the red cable. If they don't match, check if your battery has reverse terminals or if you bought the right battery size.
Once the battery sits well, reattach the clamp or bracket to hold it tightly. A loose battery can move while driving, causing damage.
Now, reconnect the battery cables but in the opposite order from removal. Attach the positive (red) terminal first. Tighten the bolt securely but don't over-tighten, or you might damage the terminal.
Then attach the negative (black) terminal and tighten it firmly. Make sure both terminals are tight enough so they don't wiggle, but be careful not to strip the bolts.
If you want, spray a little battery terminal protector or apply some petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. This will keep your battery terminals clean and working longer.
Finally, replace any plastic covers you removed earlier and close the hood.
To summarize:
- Place new battery in tray with correct terminal positions
- Secure with clamp or bracket
- Connect positive (red) terminal first, tighten bolt
- Connect negative (black) terminal next, tighten bolt
- Apply terminal protector or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion
- Replace any plastic covers and close hood
Test Your New Battery and Start the Car
After installing the new battery, it's time to see if everything works. Before closing the hood completely, try starting your Chevy Equinox.
Turn the key or press the start button. If the engine turns over smoothly and starts without any clicking or hesitation, the battery is installed correctly and working well. If you hear clicking sounds or the car doesn't start, check the terminal connections again. They might be loose or not making good contact.
If your car starts but the electrical systems act strange (like radio or lights), the battery may not be fully charged or there could be another problem. You can use a multimeter to check the battery voltage, it should be about 12.6 volts when the car is off and around 13.7-14.7 volts with the engine running.
If everything works fine, let your car run for a few minutes. This lets the alternator charge the new battery fully. During this time, avoid using heavy electrical loads like AC or lights.
If your car has settings that reset after battery removal (radio code, clock, etc.), you might need to enter codes or set them up again. Keep your car manual handy for help.
Here's what to remember:
- Try starting the car right after installation
- Check for smooth engine start without clicks
- Re-tighten terminals if car doesn't start
- Use a multimeter to check battery voltage if needed
- Let the car run a few minutes to charge the battery
- Reset radio or clock settings if they were lost
Dispose of the Old Battery Safely
Old car batteries contain harmful acid and lead, so you can't just throw them in the trash. It's important to dispose of them properly to protect the environment and follow local laws.
Many auto parts stores and service centers accept used batteries for recycling. When you buy a new battery, the store might offer to take your old one for free or a small fee. This is the safest and easiest way to get rid of your old battery.
If your battery is leaking or damaged, handle it very carefully. Place it in a sturdy plastic container and avoid touching any acid leaks. Clean any acid spills with baking soda and water and wear gloves for safety.
Some local recycling centers or hazardous waste facilities also take car batteries. You can check online or call your city's waste management for places that accept batteries.
Never leave an old battery in the trash or throw it in nature. It can cause serious harm to people, animals, and the environment.
To finish:
- Take old battery to auto parts store or recycling center
- Use a sturdy container if battery leaks or is damaged
- Clean acid spills carefully with baking soda and water
- Check local waste facilities for battery disposal
- Never throw battery in regular trash or nature
Final Thoughts
Changing the battery on your 2018 Chevy Equinox might seem hard at first, but with the right tools and steps, anyone can do it. It saves money and gives you confidence to handle basic car problems yourself. Remember to always choose the right battery, be safe, and take your time. Once you replace your battery, your Equinox will start smoothly and be ready for your next drive. It's a small job that makes a big difference in your car's performance and your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to change a car battery myself?
Yes, changing a car battery yourself is safe if you follow basic safety rules. Always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes from acid or sparks. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing harmful gases. Disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent electrical shorts. Use the correct tools and avoid touching both terminals at the same time with metal tools. If you feel unsure at any time, ask for help or go to a professional.
Can I use any battery for my 2018 Chevy Equinox?
No, you cannot use just any battery. Your 2018 Chevy Equinox needs a specific battery size and power to work well. Usually, a Group 48 (H6) battery with about 700-800 cold cranking amps is best. Using the wrong size or power battery can cause starting problems or damage electrical parts. Always check your owner's manual or ask at an auto parts store to make sure you get the right battery.
Do I need special tools to change the battery?
You don't need special tools, but a good wrench or socket set (usually 10mm) is important to remove and tighten the battery terminals and hold-down clamps. You should also have gloves and safety glasses for protection. A battery terminal cleaner brush is helpful but not required. Having the right tools makes the job easier and safer.
Is it necessary to clean the battery tray before installing the new battery?
Yes, cleaning the battery tray is a good idea. Old batteries can leak acid that damages the tray or causes corrosion. Use a mix of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid and scrub off dirt or corrosion. Dry the tray well before placing the new battery. This helps the new battery last longer and work better.
Can a car battery be charged instead of replaced?
Sometimes a battery can be charged if it's not too old or damaged. If your battery is just low on power, a charger or jump start might bring it back to life. But if the battery is old, has a weak charge, or won't hold power, it's better to replace it. A new battery ensures your car will start reliably.
Do I lose any settings when I remove the battery?
Yes, removing the battery may reset settings like your radio presets, clock, and some security features. Some cars need a radio code to unlock the radio after power loss. Keep your owner's manual or paperwork handy to restore these settings after installing the new battery.
Is it important to connect the battery terminals in the right order?
Yes, connecting battery terminals in the right order is very important. Always connect the positive (red) terminal first and the negative (black) terminal last. When removing the old battery, disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. This order helps avoid sparks, short circuits, and damage to your car's electrical system.
Can I recycle my old car battery myself?
You can't just recycle a car battery in regular recycling bins because they contain harmful acid and lead. However, many auto parts stores and recycling centers accept old car batteries for proper disposal. It's best to take your old battery to these places. If the battery leaks or is damaged, handle it carefully in a sturdy container to avoid spills and environmental harm.