How To Replace The Battery In Your Kia

Although Kia vehicles are renowned for their reliability, the battery in your Kia can fail for any number of reasons.

The battery may have reached the end of its life, or you may want to replace the battery as a preventive measure to prevent trouble during the coming winter.

Whatever the reason, and if your Kia is out of warranty, nothing could be simpler than replacing the battery yourself.

All you need is some basic hand tools, such as combination wrenches or a 3/8-inch drive socket set, and you’re good to go. Here is how you do it.

Time required

You need about up to 20 minutes to replace a battery in a Kia vehicle.

Special precautions

• Always wear eye protection when working with car batteries.
• Never smoke while working with car batteries. You could accidentally cause a hydrogen gas explosion when you light up a cigarette.
• Always replace the battery in your Kia vehicle with a replacement that has the identical size, ratings, and capacities to avoid damaging the electrical system.

Tools you need to replace a car battery

• Replacement battery.
• Memory saving device(available from all auto parts stores) to keep critical systems powered up when the old battery is disconnected.
• Eye protection such as a full-face acid shield.
• Set of combination wrenches
• Set of 3/8-inch sockets.

(Photo source: website)

Step 1.

Ensure that the ignition is in the “OFF” position, and insert, or connect the memory saving device according to the instructions provided.

Step 2.

Use a socket and ratchet handle to loosen the negative (-) terminal first to prevent accidental short circuits. Remove the terminal from the battery post with a twisting motion.

Step 3.

Next, repeat the process with the positive (+) terminal. Locate the securing bolts of the battery hold down device, and use either a socket and ratchet handle, or a combination wrench to remove the bolts. Place both the hold-down device and the bolts aside.

Step 4.

At this point, there should be nothing holding the battery down, so use a firm grip, and remove the battery from the car. Place the old battery in a position where it cannot cause injuries to children, pets, or persons that are not involved in the work.

Step 5.

If the old battery was fitted with an insulation sleeve, remove it, and fit it around the replacement battery. Place the battery on the battery tray, but make sure the poles are in the same relative positions as the old battery.

Step 6.

Fit the positive (+) terminal first, and ensure the terminal clamping bolt is tightened properly. However, do NOT over tighten the bolt as this could damage the battery casing. Repeat this step for the negative (-) terminal.

Step 7.

Place the battery hold-down device in position, insert all the bolts, and use a combination wrench or a socket and ratchet handle to tighten them. Do NOT over tighten, because it could easily damage the threads, or even break the bolts.

Step 8.

At this point, you should be done, so make sure all tools are removed from the engine compartment. Remove, or disconnect the memory saving device in strict accordance with the instructions provided, and start the car to ensure that the replacement battery is fully functional.

Step 9.

Monitor all warning light to confirm that none remain illuminated, and check that all electronic controls work. Turn on the radio to confirm that it works, and if not, re-enter the security code that should be included in the documentation that came with the car.

Step 10.

Dispose of the old Kia battery by returning it to the Kia dealer, who will dispose of it safely.