How to Change Your Subaru Battery

Giving Your Subaru a Jolt: How to Change Subaru Battery Like a Pro (Even if You're Not!)

Hey there, fellow Subaru owner! Let's be honest, few things are as universally frustrating as turning the key or pushing the start button and being met with… silence. Or worse, that pathetic, struggling rrrr-rrrr-rrrr sound. We've all been there. A dead car battery is a special kind of annoyance, especially when you're in a rush. But here's a secret: learning how to change Subaru battery yourself isn't nearly as daunting as it might seem. In fact, it's a fantastic way to save a bit of money, gain some handy skills, and feel like a total automotive hero.

So, grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let's walk through this process together. By the time we're done, you'll have all the confidence you need to tackle changing a Subaru battery the next time your trusty ride decides to play dead.

When to Know It's Time to Change Subaru Battery

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, how do you even know it's time to replace your Subaru battery? It's not always a sudden, dramatic death. Often, batteries give us a few warning signs.

  • Slow Cranking: Does your engine sound sluggish when starting, especially on cold mornings? That's a classic sign.
  • Dim Lights: Headlights or interior lights that appear dimmer than usual when the engine is off can indicate a weak battery.
  • Check Engine Light: Sometimes, a dying battery can trigger a check engine light or other dashboard warning indicators.
  • Age: Most car batteries last about 3-5 years. If yours is older than that, it's living on borrowed time.
  • Corrosion: Excessive corrosion around the battery terminals can be a sign of leakage or an old battery.
  • Battery Test: The most definitive way is to have your battery tested. Many auto parts stores will do this for free. They can tell you its charge level and overall health.

Don't wait until you're stranded in a parking lot to address these issues. Being proactive about replacing your Subaru battery will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe a tow truck fee!).

Gathering Your Arsenal: What You'll Need

Alright, let's get our tools ready. Think of it like preparing for a mini-adventure. Having everything at hand makes the job smooth and stress-free.

  • New Battery: This is obvious, right? Make sure you get the correct group size and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for your specific Subaru model. Check your owner's manual or ask at your local auto parts store. They can look it up based on your car's year, make, and model.
  • Wrench Set: You'll typically need a 10mm or 13mm wrench for the battery terminals and possibly another size for the hold-down clamp. A ratchet with sockets is even better.
  • Battery Terminal Cleaner/Wire Brush: Essential for scrubbing away corrosion.
  • Battery Post Protectors (Optional but Recommended): Felt washers that go on the battery posts to prevent corrosion.
  • Anti-Corrosion Spray/Grease: To protect the terminals after installation.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from grime and battery acid.
  • Safety Glasses: Battery acid is no joke. Protect your peepers!
  • Shop Rags/Paper Towels: For cleaning up.
  • Battery Hold-Down Clamp (if yours is corroded or broken): Check your current one.
  • Memory Saver (Optional but Highly Recommended): This little gadget plugs into your car's OBDII port and provides a trickle charge to maintain your vehicle's computer memory (radio presets, clock, learned engine parameters) while the main battery is disconnected. Trust me, it saves a lot of hassle.

Safety First, Always!

Before we touch anything, let's talk safety. This isn't just about avoiding a shock; it's about avoiding serious injury.

  1. Eye Protection and Gloves: Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Battery acid can cause severe burns and eye damage.
  2. Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Batteries can release hydrogen gas, which is flammable.
  3. No Smoking/Open Flames: Keep sparks, cigarettes, and open flames away from the battery.
  4. Remove Jewelry: Take off rings, watches, and bracelets. Metal can conduct electricity and cause a short circuit or burn.
  5. Park Safely: Ensure your Subaru is on a level surface with the parking brake engaged and the engine off.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Change Subaru Battery

Alright, you've got your tools, you're safe, and you're ready to tackle this! Let's change Subaru battery together.

Prep Work

  1. Pop the Hood: Locate your battery. In most Subarus, it's pretty easy to spot under the hood, usually on the passenger side.
  2. Locate Terminals: Identify the positive (+) terminal (usually red cap or red cable) and the negative (-) terminal (usually black cap or black cable).
  3. Connect Memory Saver (If Using): If you have a memory saver, plug it into your car's OBDII port (usually under the dash on the driver's side) before disconnecting the old battery. This keeps your car's computer happy.

Disconnecting the Old Battery

This is crucial: ALWAYS disconnect the negative terminal first. Why? Because if your wrench accidentally touches a metal part of the car while loosening the negative terminal, nothing will happen. If you start with the positive and your wrench touches metal, you'll create a direct short, which can cause sparks, damage, or even an explosion.

  1. Disconnect Negative Terminal: Using your wrench, loosen the nut on the negative (-) terminal clamp. Once loose, twist and pull the cable straight up and off the battery post. Move it completely away from the battery so it can't accidentally touch the post again.
  2. Disconnect Positive Terminal: Now, loosen the nut on the positive (+) terminal clamp. Remove this cable and again, move it away from the battery.
  3. Remove Hold-Down Clamp: Locate the battery hold-down clamp (it's what secures the battery in its tray). Loosen or unbolt it and remove it. Some Subarus have a j-hook style clamp, others might have a top strap.
  4. Carefully Remove Old Battery: Batteries are surprisingly heavy! Use both hands and lift the old battery straight up and out of the tray. Be careful not to spill any acid.

Prepping the Tray and Terminals

This step is often overlooked but it's important for longevity.

  1. Clean Battery Tray: With the old battery out, take a moment to clean the battery tray and the surrounding area. There might be dirt, debris, or even some minor corrosion.
  2. Clean Terminal Clamps: Use your wire brush to thoroughly clean the inside of both the positive and negative cable clamps. You want shiny, bare metal for the best connection.

Installing the New Battery

Now for the reverse process. ALWAYS connect the positive terminal first when installing.

  1. Position New Battery: Carefully place your new battery into the battery tray. Ensure it's seated properly and oriented correctly (positive to positive, negative to negative).
  2. Secure Hold-Down Clamp: Reinstall and tighten the battery hold-down clamp. Make it snug, but don't overtighten, as you could crack the battery casing.
  3. Connect Positive Terminal: Take the positive (+) cable and place its clamp onto the new positive battery post. Tighten the nut firmly. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it's secure.
  4. Connect Negative Terminal: Take the negative (-) cable and place its clamp onto the new negative battery post. Tighten the nut firmly. Again, check for a secure connection.
  5. Apply Anti-Corrosion: Spray a little anti-corrosion spray or apply some anti-corrosion grease to the battery posts and terminal clamps. This helps prevent future corrosion.
  6. Install Post Protectors: If you have the felt washers, place them on the posts before connecting the cables.

Post-Installation Checks

  1. Double-Check: Give all your connections one last visual check and a gentle tug. Make sure everything is tight and secure.
  2. Remove Memory Saver: If you used one, unplug it from your OBDII port.
  3. Start Your Subaru: Close the hood and try to start your car. It should fire right up!
  4. Check for Warnings: If any dashboard warning lights appear, they might go away after a short drive as the car's computer recalibrates. If not, it might be worth a quick check, but usually, a battery change doesn't cause lasting issues.

What to Do with the Old Battery

Don't just toss that old battery in the trash! Car batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, which are harmful to the environment. Most auto parts stores will take your old battery for recycling (sometimes with a core charge refund if you bring it back). It's the responsible thing to do, and often, it's required by law.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Car Won't Start (after new battery):
    • Loose Connections: The most common culprit. Recheck that both terminal clamps are very tight.
    • Battery Issue: Rare, but sometimes a new battery can be faulty.
    • Other Problem: If connections are good, it might not have been the battery in the first place (starter, alternator, etc.).
  • Radio Presets Lost/Clock Reset: You probably didn't use a memory saver, or it wasn't connected properly. Not a big deal, just re-enter your settings.
  • Dashboard Lights: Some lights might stay on for a bit, especially if your car uses a "relearn" procedure for idle or other systems. Driving for a bit often resolves this. If not, a quick diagnostic scan can help identify persistent issues.

You Did It!

Congratulations! You've just learned how to change Subaru battery like a pro. Not only have you saved yourself some money, but you've also gained valuable confidence and a deeper understanding of your vehicle. It's a fantastic feeling to know you can handle common car maintenance tasks yourself. So, the next time your Subaru needs a fresh jolt of power, you'll be ready. Happy driving!