Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Super Start Extreme Battery
Ratchet and Socket Set
Super Start Battery Terminal Protection
Shop Towels
Following these step-by-step instructions and video can help you change the battery in your 2013 to 2018 Toyota RAV4 yourself to save time and money on your repair. While these steps show a battery replacement on a 2016 Toyota RAV4, procedures will also be similar for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 models. Be sure to check your vehicle’s owners manual for instructions specific to your vehicle before starting your repair.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Open your hood.
Use a ratchet and 10mm socket or wrench to loosen and set aside the battery cables, starting with the negative cable then the positive.
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Do It Right: Be careful! Make sure the black cable doesn't come in contact with any metal object or touch the red cable. |
Step 2: Remove Your Old Battery
Use the same tool to loosen and remove the bolt securing the battery hold-down at the front and to loosen the nut at the top of the rod at the back. Move the hold-down aside.
Slide the insulating sleeve off the battery and lift the battery out.
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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. |
Step 3: Set Up Your Battery
Place new battery terminal protectors on the posts to help prevent corrosion. Set the new battery in the tray and slide the insulating sleeve into place. Install new terminal protectors.
Step 4: Replace Your Hold-Down
Move the hold-down back into position. Use your 10mm wrench or socket to secure the fasteners on either side of the hold-down making sure the hook at the bottom of the rod at the back is secured properly.
Step 5: Reconnect Your Battery
Using the same tool, reattach your positive battery cable first then the negative. Double-check the cables to make sure they’re secure.
Step 6: Apply Terminal Protector Spray
Take your terminal protector spray and shake the can well. Hold it 10 to 12 inches from the surface and spray down the battery tray, hold-down, terminal cables and battery posts. Once that task is complete, you can close your hood.
