Changing car battery. ~updated~

[slycat]

Originally posted by: richardycc
the car owner's manual? if you haven't changed the code, its still using the default code.

its in there?...ok, will go check out tonite. anyway to test the code if its the correct code before disconnecting and crying about it later?

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: richardycc
the car owner's manual? if you haven't changed the code, its still using the default code.

its in there?...ok, will go check out tonite. anyway to test the code if its the correct code before disconnecting and crying about it later?

YGPM

There is no "default code", it is unique to the headunit. The $$$ you pay to retrieve it is the labor for Acura to pull the head unit, and get the SN off of it.

If you have the code, it will be on a small card, not printed in the owner's manual.

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: SuperSix

thanks...man this is getting too involved. Guess i'll go home, look for the card(prays)..

 

[Kelemvor]

Umm, the abttery isn't really used once the car is going. Just to start it up. Then the engine produces the power and the alternator gives power back to the battery. If the car is running you could technically disconnect the battery and the car would still run. If it's stopping while it's running it's got nothing to do with the battery....

 

[Eli]

Same as changing the battery in anything else, except it's bigger and actually requires simple tools.

 

[Slvrtg277]

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: SuperSix

thanks...man this is getting too involved. Guess i'll go home, look for the card(prays)..

I have an Integra and my radio code was stamped on a very small thin strip of metal that was attached to one of the keychains they gave me when I bought the car. YMMV

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: slycat

ah crap..man i still have the factory head unit cdplayer. what to do? So, i can't change the battery then? Anyway for me to find out the code?

Just use a couple small jumpers from another battery to your battery cables. Leave them connected, when the old battery is removed. I think you can do the same trick via the cigarette lighter, but this way is fool proof.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: slycat

ah crap..man i still have the factory head unit cdplayer. what to do? So, i can't change the battery then? Anyway for me to find out the code?

Just use a couple small jumpers from another battery to your battery cables. Leave them connected, when the old battery is removed. I think you can do the same trick via the cigarette lighter, but this way is fool proof.

Yea, that will work. I use a set of small cables to attach an extra battery - I connect them to a ground, and the positive connection under the underhood fuse panel/relay box, that way I don't knock them off if attached to the actual battery cables.

The cig lighter is tricky, as the ign has to be on for it to work.

 

[slycat]

do u have to start either or both cars before or after connecting the jumper cables or not at all?

 

[Ornery]

Not at all. Just needs constant small amount of voltage to retain the settings. Tiny 14ga. wire with alligator clips will be fine.

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Not at all. Just needs constant small amount of voltage to retain the settings.

so actually i can do this with the new battery then..
Basically shut off the car, connect jumper cables from NEW battery to my car battery cables, then disconnect old battery and drop in new one, reconnect battery cables and remove jumper cables.

sounds good?

 

[Ausm]

Sometimes you can swap a battery so fast that the clock will not discharge.


Ausm

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: Ornery
Not at all. Just needs constant small amount of voltage to retain the settings.

so actually i can do this with the new battery then..
Basically shut off the car, connect jumper cables from NEW battery to my car battery cables, then disconnect old battery and drop in new one, reconnect battery cables and remove jumper cables.

sounds good?

If you can attach the terminals to the cables without disconnecting the jumpers, but that may be tough, unless it's got both side and top terminals.

 

[slycat]

i'm gonna try sears then...if they'll do it for free then good, if not i'll try and do it by myself.

instead of using jumper cables to do the switcheroo...can i use speaker cables? ...jumpr cables are kinda fat as u've mentioned.

 

[Ornery]

Tiny 14ga. wire with alligator clips will be fine.

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Tiny 14ga. wire with alligator clips will be fine.

cool man..thanks.

 

[jagec]

...or you could start the car, yank the battery while the car is still running, and put the new one in. That would keep your radio from getting locked out. Just don't hurt yourself

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: jagec
...or you could start the car, yank the battery while the car is still running, and put the new one in. That would keep your radio from getting locked out. Just don't hurt yourself

hmm..does that really work? sounds dangerous.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: jagec
...or you could start the car, yank the battery while the car is still running, and put the new one in. That would keep your radio from getting locked out. Just don't hurt yourself

hmm..does that really work? sounds dangerous.

It works fine, just stay away from all the moving bits while you work. You DON'T want to drop a wrench on a pulley or anything.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Ausm
Sometimes you can swap a battery so fast that the clock will not discharge.


Ausm

Not worth taking a chance on losing the radio security code IMHO.

Good advice here on the small speaker wire junmprs, just be careful you don't know them off of the cables. Like I said, I recommend attaching the + cable/clip to the appropriate main electrical panel connector, and the - to a good engine ground, out of the way, so you tsake less of a chance bumping them and unclipping them while you are swapping batteries.

Good info:
http://www.i-car.com/html_pages/about_i...ntage_online_archives/2003/091503.html

http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-22589.html
http://www.acura.ca/AcuraEng/Owners/Inf...hicleInformation/RadioSecurityCode.htm

acura quoted me "$85" to get the code. I was like yeah right.. so i call up another local acura dealer, and he told me to look under my fuse box cover in the engine compartment and what you do you know it's right there!

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: jagec
...or you could start the car, yank the battery while the car is still running, and put the new one in. That would keep your radio from getting locked out. Just don't hurt yourself

hmm..does that really work? sounds dangerous.

Bad idea. Great way to toast your alternator..

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: SuperSix

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: jagec
...or you could start the car, yank the battery while the car is still running, and put the new one in. That would keep your radio from getting locked out. Just don't hurt yourself

hmm..does that really work? sounds dangerous.

Bad idea. Great way to toast your alternator..

ooh..ok. THanks a bunch for info in links.

btw, +ve terminal to +ve on battery and -ve terminal to the -ve on the new battery too right?...having to look for a good ground is gonna be harder for me.