The Hyundai Santa Fe has enjoyed much success oversea but here in South Africa, many have opted for the smaller, more compact Tucson offering. Despite this, the Santa Fe has still been a successful model for Hyundai locally and those that have owned one will swear by them.
It's not easy prying a Santa Fe out of an owner's hands and if you're reading this you've probably had your Santa Fe for several years now, so you know what I'm talking about. Low running costs and robust reliability all form part of the appeal of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
If you own a 2013 - 2018 model Hyundai Santa Fe, you may be approaching the lifespan of the vehicle battery. Save yourself some money and tackle the job yourself with this handy guide to the process.
Related: Hyundai shakes up its 2018 Santa Fe - A story about grace, style and practicality
Please note that you will lose your radio and basic vehicle settings when you disconnect the battery.
You will need:
- Socket wrench
- Socket wrench extension
- 13mm socket
- Phillips (star) screwdriver
- New battery (correct size and amperage for your specific model as different engines have different battery sizes)
How to:
1. Ensure the vehicle is parked securely with the handbrake engaged and ignition switched off.
2. Open the bonnet.
3. The battery is located under the air duct on the passenger side of the car.
4. Remove the two plastic screws that hold the front of the air duct in place (circled in red)
Note that these will not come all the way out but will unscrew just enough to release pressure on the clips.
5. Pull out the plastic screws and clips.
6. Remove the air duct by pulling it free from the airbox.
7. Locate the 13mm bolt that holds the battery retaining clamp on the front side of the battery.
8. Remove the 13mm bolt with the socket wrench and remove the clamp.
9. Lift the plastic covers to expose the terminals.
10. Using the 13mm socket, loosen the nut on the top of the negative (black) terminal and remove the connector from the post.
11. Repeat the process for the positive terminal (red) taking care not to let the connector come into contact with anything metallic on the car. There may still be some charge in the system and this could cause a short circuit.
12. Remove the battery and place one side.
13. Install the new battery in the same location as the old battery, taking care to ensure the positive and negative posts are on the correct side.
14. Reinstall the positive terminal.
15. Reinstall the negative terminal.
16. Tighten up both terminal post nuts (13mm).
17. Reinstall the battery retaining clamp and tighten down (13mm).
18. Reinstall the air duct.
19. Reinsert the two plastic screw clips.
20. Screw the clips into place.
21. Ensure all tools have been removed from the engine bay and close the bonnet.
22. Test the system by turning the vehicle on, first to auxiliary power and then by starting the car.
Recommended Reading:
Used Cars – Hyundai Santa Fe fuel efficiency
Hyundai’s Santa Fe takes on Kia’s Sorento and Ford’s Everest
Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: which one is the best value for money?
