How to Change the Battery in a 2013 to 2018 Nissan Altima | O'Reilly Auto Parts

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Replacing the battery in your 2013 to 2018 Nissan Altima is an important automotive maintenance task that ensures reliable starting and helps keep your vehicle on the road. Your Nissan Altima’s battery not only starts your vehicle, but also powers electrical components, including your vehicle’s radio, door locks, power windows, and seats when the engine isn’t running. Over time and due to extreme heat or cold, your car battery will experience wear and may degrade. It’s likely time to replace your car battery if you see signs of wear, such as corroded battery terminals, malfunctioning electrical components or accessories, a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, slow cranking, or your vehicle not starting at all.

Tools & Materials List

Step-by-Step Instructions

Additional Resources

To complete a car battery replacement on your own, follow our detailed step-by-step instructions, or take a look at our video guide on how to change your Nissan Altima battery. The following video and steps demonstrate how to change a battery in a 2014 Nissan Altima, but instructions will also apply to most 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Nissan Altima models. Before completing your battery replacement, make sure to check your vehicle’s owners manual for a list of exact replacement steps and specifications for your vehicle. If you’re not sure if your Nissan Altima’s battery needs to be replaced yet, you can also visit any O’Reilly Auto Parts store for free battery testing. We can also test your alternator and starter on or off the vehicle to ensure that you get the parts you need to get back on the road.

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In three images, our expert opens the hood of the Nissan Altima, and disconnects the battery using a deep socket.

Step 1: Prepare Your Altima

Park on a level surface, and open the hood. Use a 10mm ratchet and deep socket to loosen the negative battery cable, then detach it and move it to the side. Do the same thing with the positive battery cable.

Do It Right: Be careful! Make sure the black and red battery cables do not touch each other or the black cable to metal.

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In two images, the battery hold-down is loosened and the old battery is removed.

Step 2: Remove Your Old Battery

Use the same tool to loosen and remove the nuts on the battery hold-down and to remove the short bolt securing its vertical bracket. Once the battery cables are detached and the hold-down is removed, you can lift the old battery out.

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Our expert installs a new battery into the Altima's battery tray.

Step 3: Install Your New Battery

Set your new battery in the tray. Remove the protective terminal caps.

Do It Right: Before installing your new battery, use battery terminal cleaner to remove the protective coating from the battery posts. Make sure to install new terminal protectors before continuing your repair.

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In two images, the battery hold-down is installed and secured.

Step 4: Reinstall Your Battery Hold-Down

Position the hold-down. Use your 10mm ratchet and deep socket to replace the nuts on either side, and the bolt securing the vertical bracket.

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In two images, the battery cables are reconnected and our expert closes the Altima's hood.

Step 5: Reattach Your Battery Cables

Reattach your positive battery cable first, then the negative. Double-check the cables to make sure they're secure.

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Car batteries provide your vehicle with the power it needs to start the engine, operate your lights, and power multiple electrical components in your vehicle. If your car battery is dead or weak, it should be inspected, tested, and replaced. Changing your Nissan Altima’s battery is a simple DIY repair job that can be done at home to help save you time and money. In addition to these helpful How-To steps and video instructions, take a look at your vehicle’s owners manual for specific guidelines on changing your battery. If you need to have your battery tested, O’Reilly Auto Parts offers free battery testing and free alternator testing to help diagnose the problem and complete your repair. For more information about car batteries, including tips on battery care, why your car won’t start, and more, visit our How-To Hub.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

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