Need help Changing A Battery

[Klr1976]

I need to know how to change a battery in a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am Need to know today. what kind of tools I need

[sunrunner_pei]

You will need a wrench or socket to disconnect the side-post terminals, then another socket & long extension to release the battery hold-down clamp.

[mutt421]

You will need an 8mm socket or wrench for the side posts and 1/2 in socket with a long extention for the hold down! You should be done in about 10 min if it is the first battery you have ever changed!

[Klr1976]

autozone said for them to change it I was going to have buy a installaltion kit from them and not sure how much it was but I would rather save money and do it my self.

[Klr1976]

That long thing s on 1/2 wrench thing right also , is there a specific thing for it. so I know what to go buy I can not find my tools right now and this is my first battery. this is my first car I have had. I was never able to afford onb before

[jonnythan]

Autozone won't install it for free? They all do over here.

I don't know the size of the bolt itself, but you can pick up a cheapo ratchet set and extension bar (3/8" drive) at Wal-Mart for only a few dollars.

[Gagt518]

Autozone won't install it for free? They all do over here.

x2

[rixGAphx]

autozone said for them to change it I was going to have buy a installaltion kit from them and not sure how much it was but I would rather save money and do it my self.Well, ask how much.

An 'installation kit' is gonna be about $5: 2 new sidepost bolts (which you prolly need, anyhow) and two felt washers that are 'corrosion prevention' (actually worthless IMO, but they only cost $1 for the pair).
*Mebbe* a $1 tube of 'die-electric grease' or some such twaddle.

They certainly can't MAKE you buy 2 new battery cables, though they should inspect them and tell you if yours suck.
If they do, then that's about $15 each and 15 minutes labor (though I'm pretty sure AutoZone won't do the labor on cables, 'cuz that would mean getting their sleeves dirty like real mechanics :roll: ).

Just out of curiosity, why do you need a new battery?
There may be other things happening electrically with your GA, causing the symptoms and less expensive to repair/replace (like battery cables).

Hope this helps,
-Rick

PS: If you do this yourself, disconnect the Black NEG cable from the battery first, then disconnect the Red POS cable.
Reconnect in OPPOSITE ORDER: Red first, then Black.