3 Ways To Remove Car Battery Terminals - WikiHow

Home » How To Change Battery Terminals » 3 Ways To Remove Car Battery Terminals - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove Car Battery Terminals PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Duston Maynes

Last Updated: June 5, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Removing the terminals
    • |
  • Cleaning the terminals
    • |
  • Reconnecting the terminals
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes. Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 434,637 times.

Even maintenance-free car batteries can acquire corrosive buildup, which is produced when hydrogen gas produced by the battery comes into contact with dirt and sediment on the surface of the battery. Removing the terminals and cleaning them will help to prevent future mechanical problems.

Disconnecting Car Battery Terminals

Make sure the positive terminal's cover is on or place a towel over it. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a socket wrench and lift the terminal off the battery post. Remove the cover from the positive terminal, loosen the nut, and lift the terminal off the post.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Removing the terminals

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Open the hood of the car and use the support bar to prop it open. 1 Open the hood of the car and use the support bar to prop it open.[1]
  2. Step 2 Locate the battery within the engine compartment. 2 Locate the battery within the engine compartment. If you're unsure about which part is the battery, then check your owner’s manual. Some vehicles have their battery in the trunk, under or behind an access panel. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Check the positive post to be sure that the cover is on. 3 Check the positive post to be sure that the cover is on. If the post is not covered, place a towel or other clean rag over the positive post. This will help you to avoid accidentally creating sparks by coming into contact with the positive terminal.
  4. Step 4 Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the negative post using a socket wrench. 4 Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the negative post using a socket wrench. The nut will be located to the left of the terminal.[2]
  5. Step 5 Lift the terminal off the negative battery post. 5 Lift the terminal off the negative battery post. If needed, pry the terminal open with a screwdriver, or gently wiggle the connector until it loosens.
  6. Step 6 Remove the cover from the positive post. 6 Remove the cover from the positive post.[3] Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the positive post by using a socket wrench. Although the negative terminal has been removed, still be careful to ensure the wrench used does not contact any other metal.
  7. Step 7 Lift the terminal off the positive post. 7 Lift the terminal off the positive post. If needed, pry the terminal open with a screwdriver or wiggle the connector to loosen the terminal.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the terminals

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Sprinkle the terminals with baking soda. 1 Sprinkle the terminals with baking soda.[4] [5]
  2. Step 2 Scrub the terminals and the posts using a special battery terminal brush, inexpensive and available at most auto parts store. 2 Scrub the terminals and the posts using a special battery terminal brush, inexpensive and available at most auto parts store.[6] This special brush has two parts, one to fit over the battery posts and another to fit inside the cable terminals. A battery terminal brush is specially designed for this job and will eliminate the need to use your fingers for cleaning. In a pinch, any wire or bristled brush will do, but, a small one will work best inside the terminals. If your brush will not fit into the interior of the terminals, try an old toothbrush or, as a last resort, use a rag draped over your finger to scrub inside each terminal.
  3. Step 3 Rinse the terminals and posts with clean water. 3 Rinse the terminals and posts with clean water.[7] [8]
  4. Step 4 Dry the terminals and posts with a clean towel or rag. 4 Dry the terminals and posts with a clean towel or rag.
  5. Step 5 Rub petroleum jelly onto the posts. 5 Rub petroleum jelly onto the posts. The petroleum jelly will help to prevent future corrosion from building up.[9]
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Reconnecting the terminals

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Place the positive terminal back onto the positive post. 1 Place the positive terminal back onto the positive post.[10]
  2. Step 2 Hand-tighten the nut until you can no longer turn it. 2 Hand-tighten the nut until you can no longer turn it.
  3. Step 3 Place a socket wrench over the nut and tighten the nut until it no longer turns. 3 Place a socket wrench over the nut and tighten the nut until it no longer turns. Although the negative terminal is not connected, still be careful to ensure the wrench used does not contact any other metal.
  4. Step 4 Place the cover over the positive post. 4 Place the cover over the positive post. If the cover is missing, then you should cover the post with a clean towel or a rag.
  5. Step 5 Place the negative terminal back onto the negative post. 5 Place the negative terminal back onto the negative post. Hand-tighten the nut until you can no longer turn it.
  6. Step 6 Place a socket wrench over the nut and turn it until the nut is completely tightened. 6 Place a socket wrench over the nut and turn it until the nut is completely tightened.
  7. Step 7 Remove all tools, towels or rags from the engine area. 7 Remove all tools, towels or rags from the engine area.
  8. Step 8 Lower the support bar and close the hood. 8 Lower the support bar and close the hood.
  9. Step 9 Discard any rags or towels that came into contact with battery acid. 9 Discard any rags or towels that came into contact with battery acid.
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is there always a clamp holding the old battery in place? Community Answer Community Answer Not necessarily. There is usually some mechanism keeping the battery fastened, but this comes in many different forms. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
  • Question How do I remove a battery terminal cover that is stuck on? I have tried a screwdriver, WD-40, a rag with hot water, and a hammer. Community Answer Community Answer You could just get a pair of pliers and carefully cut it off. Just make sure not to cut the battery cable off too! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question What should I do if I cannot remove the positive terminal because the nut will not budge, even after repeated applications of WD40? Community Answer Community Answer Use a lever on the wrench if you have enough space. Put the wrench on the nut. Put a steel pipe over the wrench; the longer the pipe, the more force will be produced. Grab the end of the pipe and push it to loosen the nut. If that won't work, then it's time to bring out the angle grinder. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Wash your tools thoroughly with water and baking soda to make sure that they are not damaged by contact with battery acid. Wear gloves while you're cleaning your tools.[11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Whenever you check the fluid levels in your car, take the time to check your battery. If you see corrosive buildup, then remove the terminals and clean them thoroughly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • To clean the battery terminals when you don’t have time to remove them, pour a can of soda over them. The acid in the soda will eat the corrosion away. Make sure to rinse the battery with clean water afterward, to prevent stickiness. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Always disconnect the negative cable or terminal first when you are working with a car battery. Failure to do so could result in electrical sparks and severe burns. Thanks Helpful 38 Not Helpful 6
  • Metal may conduct electricity and cause severe burns. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 16
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Clean Battery Corrosion and Build UpHow toClean Battery Corrosion and Build Up Disconnect a Car BatteryHow to Disconnect a Car Battery Like a Pro Clean Corroded Car Battery TerminalsHow to Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals (Without Removing) Clean Battery TerminalsHow to Clean Battery Terminals (The Right Way) Reconnect a Car BatteryHow to Connect a Car Battery Change a Car BatteryHow toChange a Car Battery Change Battery CablesHow toChange Battery Cables Car Battery Positive and NegativeIdentifying Positive and Negative Car Battery Terminals Hook Up a Battery ChargerHow toHook Up a Battery Charger Clean a Car EngineHow toClean a Car Engine Maintain Car BatteriesHow toMaintain Car Batteries Connect Wires to a Battery TerminalHow toConnect Wires to a Battery Terminal Clean a Fuel FilterHow toClean a Fuel Filter Jump Start a CarHow toJump Start a Car Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-raise-your-vehicles-hood/
  2. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/what-to-know-before-you-disconnect-your-cars-battery
  3. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/what-to-know-before-you-disconnect-your-cars-battery
  4. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-check-your-car-battery/
  6. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-clean-battery-terminals
  9. ↑ https://www.meineke.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-car-battery/
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/how-to-connect-a-car-battery
  2. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Duston Maynes Co-authored by: Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes. Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. This article has been viewed 434,637 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 434,637 Categories: Featured Articles | Car Batteries and Ignitions Article SummaryX

Removing the terminals on your car's battery may be necessary if you need to change your battery or clean the terminals. To remove car battery terminals, start by opening the hood and finding the battery in the engine compartment. Make sure the positive post has a cover, or place a towel over it to avoid creating a spark. Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the negative post and lift the terminal off. You can now remove the cover from the positive and negative posts. To learn how to clean the battery terminals, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Russian French Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 434,637 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Dec 1, 2016

    "I learned that it is the negative terminal that should be removed first."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Duston Maynes Co-authored by: Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist Co-authors: 9 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 434,637 100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 1, 2016

"I learned that it is the negative terminal that should be removed first." Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Clean Battery Corrosion and Build UpHow toClean Battery Corrosion and Build UpDisconnect a Car BatteryHow to Disconnect a Car Battery Like a ProClean Corroded Car Battery TerminalsHow to Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals (Without Removing)Clean Battery TerminalsHow to Clean Battery Terminals (The Right Way)

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Introvert or Extrovert QuizIntrovert or Extrovert QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizWhat Is My Animagus Form?What Is My Animagus Form?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Grammar TestGrammar TestTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizBumper Sticker GeneratorBumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateHow Will I Die QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Cars
  • Car Maintenance and Repair
  • Car Engines
  • Car Batteries and Ignitions
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --553

Tag » How To Change Battery Terminals