Changing your car battery might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can easily handle it yourself, especially on a Dodge Journey. If your Dodge Journey is showing signs of a weak battery, such as slow engine cranking or electrical issues, it might be time for a replacement. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing your Dodge Journey Battery, ensuring a smooth and successful DIY experience.
When it comes to your Dodge Journey battery, size and type matter. The recommended battery group size for most Dodge Journey models is Group 86. While you might find alternatives, sticking with the manufacturer-recommended size ensures optimal performance and fit. You’ll also want to consider the battery’s Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, especially if you live in a region with cold winters. A higher CCA rating means more starting power in cold weather. Warranty is another crucial factor. Look for batteries with a decent warranty period – Duracell Gold batteries, for instance, often come with a 3-year warranty, offering peace of mind. Brands like Interstate and Duracell are known for their quality and reliability in automotive batteries.
Now, let’s get to the DIY part. Replacing the Dodge Journey battery, while straightforward, has a couple of unique steps due to its location under the fender. Here’s how to do it:
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Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a wrench (typically 10mm or 13mm, check your battery terminals), socket set, plastic push pin removal tool or a flathead screwdriver for the fender liner, battery terminal cleaner, and terminal protectant spray. Gloves and safety glasses are also recommended for safety.
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Access the Battery: The Dodge Journey battery is located under the front fender, on the driver’s side. To access it, you’ll need to turn the steering wheel to the right to create working space and then remove the driver-side front wheel.
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Remove Fender Liner: Once the wheel is off, you’ll see the inner fender liner. Carefully remove the plastic push pins holding the fender liner in place. Gently peel back or remove the section of the fender liner to expose the battery compartment.
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Disconnect Battery Terminals: Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on your old Dodge Journey battery. Always disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent শর্ট circuits. Use your wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal and remove the cable. Repeat this process for the positive terminal. Be cautious not to let the wrench touch any grounded metal parts of the vehicle while loosening the positive terminal.
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Remove Battery Tie-Down: The Dodge Journey battery is secured by a tie-down mechanism. This might be a bit tricky. Typically, there’s a bolt or nut at the back of the tie-down that needs to be removed. The front part of the tie-down might be hooked, requiring you to push up and maneuver the battery to slide it out. Be patient and observe the mechanism carefully.
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Lift Out the Old Battery: Once the tie-down is loose, carefully lift the old Dodge Journey battery out of the tray. Batteries can be heavy, so lift with your legs and avoid straining your back.
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Clean Battery Tray and Terminals: Use a battery terminal cleaner to clean any corrosion from the battery terminals and cable clamps. Wipe down the battery tray to remove any dirt or debris.
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Install the New Battery: Place the new Group 86 Dodge Journey battery into the tray. Ensure it’s oriented correctly, with the positive terminal on the same side as the positive cable.
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Secure Battery Tie-Down: Reinstall the battery tie-down to secure the new battery in place. Make sure it’s firmly tightened to prevent the battery from moving around.
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Reconnect Battery Terminals: Reconnect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal. Ensure the connections are tight and secure. Apply terminal protectant spray to prevent corrosion.
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Reinstall Fender Liner and Wheel: Carefully reposition the fender liner and re-secure it with the plastic push pins. Reinstall the driver-side front wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification.
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Verify and Reset: Start your Dodge Journey to ensure the new battery is working correctly. You may need to reset your clock and radio presets.
Replacing your Dodge Journey battery yourself can save you money on labor costs, as many shops charge around $50 or more for installation. By following these steps, you can confidently perform this maintenance task and ensure your Dodge Journey has reliable starting power. Remember to always dispose of your old battery responsibly at a recycling center or auto parts store. For more car maintenance tips and guides, visit scantoolforcar.store.
