How to replace the car battery on a Subaru Forester

By Lawrence Minnie

Changing the battery on your Subaru Forester may not necessitate a visit to your local battery centre, you can tackle the replacement right at home and we are going to show you how in just a few easy steps.

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The latest model Subaru Forester was introduced into South Africa not so long ago and because these vehicles are relatively new and still under warranty, they will probably only need a battery replacement in 2-3 years. Changing the battery on your Forester may not necessitate a visit to your local battery centre as it is a fairly simple job that you can tackle right at home and we are going to show you how in just a few easy steps when the time comes.

You will need:

• A new battery (correct size and amperage for your model)
• Socket set with 10mm socket + long extension

Let's get started!

1. Open the hood and locate the battery
2. Using the 10mm socket remove the negative battery terminal.
3. There will also be a small plastic nut holding down the negative terminal cable to the fuse box cover. Remove this carefully
4. Lift the terminal cover on the positive side and using the 10mm socket remove the positive terminal, ensure that both cables are clear of the battery
5. Use the 10mm socket, long extension and ratchet to remove the battery hold down bracket.
6. Remove the battery's heat shield.
7. Slide the battery forward and lift out of the battery tray.
8. Install the new battery and replace all the parts in reverse order.

Now that you have changed out your battery, you want to get rid of the old one, read our story on disposing of your old car battery for more information.