new battery, pop it in or does it need charged?

hothothot_3

ive never had to replace a battery, but im doing so for first time tomorrow in order to sell the car. (bought a new one)

It is a 12 volt lead acid battery. Just wondering if when you buy the battery it is just a case of putting it in or is there more to it then that, does it need charged?

What sort of tools would I need?

Im getting it from Halfords, id let them fit it but sadly the existing battery is totally flat (cant jumpstart it), so cannot move the vehicle to their shop for them to do the work.

(unless, could I kidnap one of the assistants and drive them to my house to do it?)

computershack

Just pop it in. Make sure you know the security code for the radio if it needs one.

You'll need a spanner to undo the nuts on the terminals and a socket, ratchet and extension bar to undo the nut holding the battery clamp in place.

ALWAYS START BY REMOVING THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL FIRST. That way if you accidentally touch anything metal when undoing the positive terminal, you'll not create a short.

When replacing the battery, clean the terminals with some sandpaper before putting on the cables. Connect the positive terminal first and then the negative. Once its all tightened up, smear some vaseline over the terminals and make sure you've tightened up the battery clamp.

mollycat

Dont put an overpriced halfords battery in a car to sell it!!!

A decent 2nd hand one from a scrappy will suffice!

hewhoisnotintheknow

i would just whack it in and then take it for a 30 min drive

Wig

Don't buy a new battery to sell a car :rolleyes:

Go to scrappy, buy one for 5 - 10 pounds, Check it while you're there it is charged, some of them have gadgets for testing batteries, failing that take a voltmeter with you and buy one which is 11.5V or more, with the proviso (written onto the reciept) that it can be returned if it is not capable.

Wig

Yes you just put a new battery in and should be able to start the car. Same for scrap yard ones, but with scrap yard ones there is a chance although it is currently flat after charging it will be ok.

hothothot_3

LOL too late.

but I sold it to someone in the family so I feel ok about it.

It took quite awhile to get it fitted because there was a clamp holding the battery in. I had to go online and find out that it is unusual way to hold the battery but is used with the '99 golf.

big thanks for the advice - if I ever do sell a car I wont put new battery in.

catstar_2

Hi not sure if I should start a new thread or not but Im desparately looking for a new car battery for my Fiesta. I cant seem to find much online at all, apart from Halfords which are very expensive. Has anyone used any online delivery type battery places or do you have any tips as car betteries dont seem to be searchable in any comparison sites or mentioned anywhere unless ive missed something, thanks
Cat

mollycat

If you're comfortable with it, go to a scrappy...they will have good batteries for £10-£15.