How do you remove the battery?

[RoadRat]

What do you have to remove to get the battery out, and in what sequence?

Any help or a link to an old thread will be appreciated

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by RoadRat

What do you have to remove to get the battery out, and in what sequence?

Any help or a link to an old thread will be appreciated

You remove the left fender rear panel.

A friend had me watch this video once just because of the "humor" and the errors when describing tools used. Aside from tooling errors it covers it. 5/16 for the side terminals, T-30 I believe for the Torx and the 10mm reference is correct for the end wrench. A 10mm thin open end generally referenced as ignition works best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk03-roWP2A

I thought I'd share and listen to the flack! I thought it entertaining!!

[d15b7]

hi roadrat! it's slightly more difficult than any other 'normal' car I've owned, but it's not too bad. open hood. disconnect negative battery terminal. disconnect positive terminal. remove driver's side lower side panel (there are a few screws that hold it in; the tough one is between the door and lower sill; you need a thin (I think 10mm but don't remember for sure) wrench to slip it in there). remove the screws and you can gently remove the side panel. now you need a long extension on a 3/8" socket wrench and remove the bigger (14mm I think?) bolt which holds down the pinch block to secure the battery to the battery box. now hopefully your battery has a strap on it from the factory -- that makes it much easier to pull straight up; not a lot of room in there for your hands!

take it slow and should be no problem. I've taken my battery in and out several times. (don't leave a C4 ZR-1 sitting without driving for more than several weeks -- it seems the batteries like to be killed off quick from sitting in these cars. either disconnect the negative battery cable or keep it on a battery tender like I do)

oh one more thing - when you put the new battery back in and replace the side panel -- take an extra 5 minutes and carefully align the side panel with the door and the fender -- there is alot of adjustment in (play) and if not done right it looks really sloppy when you close the hood and door. the previous owner before me had had the battery replaced by a shop and they had just bolted up the side panel without taking care to line it up and it looked terrible. when I was done with it it looked MUCH better

EDIT -- WVZR-1 just beat me to it lol

[RoadRat]

Thanks for the replies. Given how everything is shoe-horned under the hood, this doesn't sound as bad as I thought it would be. I'm installing the LED headlamps(& resistor) next weekend, and I figured I'd put a fresh Optimax in while I'm in there.

I keep a battery tender connected when it sits for more than a week. I'm also trying to figure out how to permanently install the connector to the battery posts.

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by RoadRat

Thanks for the replies. Given how everything is shoe-horned under the hood, this doesn't sound as bad as I thought it would be. I'm installing the LED headlamps(& resistor) next weekend, and I figured I'd put a fresh Optimax in while I'm in there.

I keep a battery tender connected when it sits for more than a week. I'm also trying to figure out how to permanently install the connector to the battery posts.

You need to be very careful with the choice you make for a battery. Buy "local" so if you've any obstruction issues you can easily exchange for something that fits. There's choices now that I understand fit but I've never used anything other than the GRP 75 OE specification.

[RoadRat]

10-4 on the local battery. 1/2 mile from home...

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by RoadRat

I keep a battery tender connected when it sits for more than a week. I'm also trying to figure out how to permanently install the connector to the battery posts.

Try the Battery Disconnect....you might like it
I have tried Battery Tenders and do not like them as I do NOT like having to plug them into an outlet or having to park the ZR1 near an outlet. Or worse having to route an extension cord around other equipment and having to keep Main Power on in the Shed/Garage just to support a Battery Tender. I also do not like Unattended Electrical Power plugged into the ZR1 just in case of a Short in any particular Component or electrical corrosion of that component because it is in a LONG TERM HOT Unattended condition.
ALSO....what better Anti Theft than to have your hood locked and Battery Disconnected.
With the Battery Disconnect you can Disconnect your Battery as often as you like without wearing out the Original Battery Negative Terminal on either the Battery or on the Negative Cable Connector.

[george1945]

Pick your poison. Removal may be ideal, but a good tender with the ground removed works for me.

[5ABI VT]

Just to add a bit.. the lower screw between the bottom and the rocker.. only need be loosened NOT removed. Few quick turns and its loose. takes 5 seconds. remove the screws in the fender area, one on top with the hood open and it slides out. super easy !