Battery
Eye Protection
Nitrile Gloves
Battery Cleaner
Terminal Protective Spray
Terminal Protectors
Ratchet & Sockets/Deep Sockets
Shop Towels
This procedure applies to most 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Chevy Cruze models, but be sure to know the specifics for your Cruze before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable replacing the battery in your Cruze yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Remove the Battery Hold-Down
Open the hood and use a 10mm socket or deep socket and ratchet to remove the nut securing the battery hold-down, then remove the hold-down.
Step 2: Detach the Negative Battery Cable
Now use that 10mm socket to loosen and detach the negative battery cable, and move it to the side.
Step 3: Detach Fuse Block Cables
Near the positive terminal, you’ll see the battery fuse block, which you’ll need to open. Under the cover, you’ll see three 13mm nuts securing cables. Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to remove those nuts, and lift the cables off the studs.
Step 4: Detach the Positive Battery Cable
Once those cables are all detached, use your 10mm socket or wrench to loosen and move aside your positive battery cable. You can also remove two of the nuts from the cable end and leave the positive cable nut in place, allowing you to remove the battery fuse block and cable as a unit.
Step 5: Set the Fuse Block Aside
Unclip the battery fuse block and position it out of the way.
Step 6: Remove the Metal Retainer Plate
Remove the metal retainer plate from the front (or negative) side of the battery.
Step 7: Remove the Old Battery
Now you should be able to remove the battery from the tray.
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Do It Right: Before installing your new battery, use battery terminal cleaner to remove any protective coating from the battery posts, and clean your battery terminals as well if needed to remove any corrosion. |
Step 8: Install the New Battery
Reinstall the metal retainer plate. Set the new battery in the tray, making sure the back of the battery is aligned with the fuse block.
Step 9: Install Terminal Protectors
Place new battery terminal protectors on the posts to help prevent corrosion.
Step 10: Secure the Battery Fuse Block
Clip the battery fuse block back into place.
Step 11: Reattach the Cables
Reattach the positive battery cable. Reattach the other cables, then thread the nuts. Use your torque wrench to tighten those nuts to 106 inch-pounds. Tighten the positive battery cable to 40 inch-pounds. Once the others are secure, reattach the negative battery cable and tighten it to 40 inch-pounds.
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Do It Right: Double-check the cables to make sure they’re secure. |
Step 12: Reinstall the Hold-Down
Reinstall the hold-down and tighten the nut to 80 inch-pounds.
Step 13: Apply Terminal Protector Spray
Take your terminal protector spray and shake the can well. Spray down the battery tray, hold-down, terminal cables and battery posts. You can wipe off any terminal protectant overspray from the battery case or engine compartment with a shop towel or rag. Close the hood.
