How to Install a Car Battery Without Losing Power

Any and every mechanic will directly pull out the battery and the electronics onboard would lose power for a while. And then you end up losing all the pre-saved radio channels, your custom settings and all. Now you're stuck with that lousy default setting.

There are ways that you can trick your car into believing that you didn't plug out the battery. That way your car will be as good as before, with absolutely the exact same settings as before. There's a bunch of ways that you pull this off, we've talked about the easiest of them.

Consider These Factors Before You Choose to Replace

So, you want the battery to get replaced, right? Hold a second. Did you think it may not be the battery but something else? You may be getting pseudo symptoms that are leading you towards this decision. I suggest reviewing these factors before you consider a change.

Age

Big issue! Maybe you're driving the vehicle for a long time and so do the batteries. But all of these motor batteries can run for a certain period. Day by day their performance degrades as the aging chemicals in the cells tend to give up.

That's why there's an ideal limit indicating the lifespan of a battery. Ideally, these batteries are meant to be used for four to five consequent years. But some vehicle owners said that those batteries they've used, tend to give up before that expected period.

The lifespan of any motor battery depends on the use and maintenance. If you're using the vehicle rough 'n tough, the battery, like other parts, is likely to be flat quickly. But, of course, you need to consider a battery change if your battery is aged more than four years.

Condition

Even if you're not using the battery for long, you may face problems that ultimately lead to a change. These problems occur due to improper maintenance, improper battery rating, or even for the use. If you find any visible damage, especially, acid leakage at the terminals, you need to change the battery.

Related Systems

Sometimes, you can get faulty alarms, difficulties to start the engine, or such problems because of the monitoring and auxiliary systems, not necessarily for the battery. It may be for the alternator or the computer error. If your battery is not old enough, you need to check for any visual damage and the battery voltage (12V).

Do You Need a Memory Saver?

Once you've completed the checklist and have found that changing the battery is the right decision, let's check if you need a memory saver or not.

How it Works

A memory saver is an external device that is built to save the current settings on the vehicle's computer. Whenever you enter a setting on the car's computer, it translates into code. This code is effective as long as the battery is connected. As the battery gets charged when you start the car, the settings resume.

But it's obvious to replace the battery by entirely removing the battery terminals. In these situations, the settings are hampered and make it impossible to retrieve. That's why memory saver comes into action.

When you plug in the memory saver into your car's system, it pumps current to the computer and keeps the settings alive. That's how it temporarily eliminates the necessity of the battery to save the settings.

Maybe you're told to connect the memory saver into the cigarette lighter. This can be done when your vehicle has the mechanism to turn on the lights even when it's disconnected from the battery. If you don't have this advantage, there must be an OBD (On-board diagnostics) system. Simply connect the device there.

How Much Does It Cost?

There's a wide variety of memory saver. That's why the price varies hugely. But typically the OBD2 adapter costs between 4 to 12 USD. The price depends on the sensibility and long-term performance.

Of course, the memory saver needs an external battery. The battery rating is indicated on the memory saver that you're intending to buy. 9V or 12V is the standard batteries that are used. You need to pick up this battery separately to complete the memory saver system.

Getting Ready for the Installation

Now you know that you need a memory saver to keep the settings alive. But the difficult part is about to come. Yeah, you need to get the heck out of the vehicle and install a new battery. Let's quickly check what to do before getting started!

1. Getting the Right Tools

Most of the required tools can be found in your garage or the hardware shop. You need a wrench or socket, jump leads, a pair of wires, a memory saver, and a 12-V battery (or a 9-V, according to the need of the memory saver). Don't forget to get gloves for your safety.

2. Cleaning the Workplace

As you need to unplug the battery and completely remove it, you need a proper place to store it. Most of the reported accidents occur because of a poor working environment. The victims tried to change the battery on slippery or wet surfaces. The removed battery may fall onto you after removal.

Besides, you may slip or drop any tool on your feet. Even a fatal spark can happen if the floor is wet. So, pay attention to the working area and clean it before you begin.

Jump Into Installation

It's time to get into the action! Here's the step-by-step approach to complete the task. Don't try to escape any of these for a perfect operation.

Step 1: Clean the Battery Terminals

You may notice white powder on the battery terminals. It's because of the dried up acid leaking from the aging battery. This powder is dangerous and can cause harm to the skin. Try and get a wet cloth soaked in the baking powder solution. Then clean the adjacent area of the terminals properly.

Step 2: Connecting Auxiliary Power Source

At this point, you need to connect the memory saver along with its battery. Then put the other terminal of the device into your OBD or push it in the cigarette lighter (if your vehicle has that option). Turn on the battery and the memory saver is ready to serve.

Step 3: Removing the Old One

Take a deep breath! You need to pull out the old battery. To do so, at first remove the battery bracket and the nuts holding it. Use a proper-sized wrench. Then remove the negative lead first to avoid sparking. After that remove another one and pull the battery out.

Step 4: Setting the New Battery

As the space is empty now, you can set up the new one in that place. Place the battery at the right place to tighten the bolts. Then connect the positive and negative leads respectively. At last install the brackets.

Step 5: Removing the Old Onecheck the New Battery After Removing the Secondary Source

So, you've connected the new battery to secure it in the right position. Now remove the memory saver and try to start the car. If the car starts gradually, the job is done! But if not, check the connections.

Bottom Line

Congratulations! You've just done a great job and ensure a smooth ride for another four to five years. But keep in mind to regularly maintain the battery and clean the terminals. However, don't throw the old battery. You can find a great deal on the dead battery in your vicinity and can restore a few bucks.

How to Install a Car Battery Without Losing Power

Source: https://www.autossquare.com/how-do-i-install-a-car-battery-without-losing-power/

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