The battery on these vehicles is located inside the fenderwell of the left front fender and can be removed without removing the wheel, although doing so makes the job much easier. First, disconnect the negative battery cable from the ground stud on the left shock tower. Next, loosen the left front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the wheel. Then, remove the battery cover/splash shield from the wheel well by turning the four plastic fasteners 1/4-turn counterclockwise. Using a box-end wrench, disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, followed by the positive cable. Remove the bolt and nut securing the battery strap and hold-down bracket, then take them out. If the vehicle has a cold weather package, disconnect the battery blanket heater electrical connector if equipped. Carefully slide the battery out of the fenderwell, ensuring the cables are out of the way, and note that it is heavy; battery handling tools are available at most auto parts stores to assist with this. If equipped, remove the battery blanket heater from around the battery. While the battery is out, inspect the tray, strap, hold-down bracket, and related fasteners for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found on the battery tray, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove it, using a baking soda and water solution to clean corroded parts to prevent further oxidation, and repaint as necessary with rust-resistant paint. Clean and service the battery and cables, and if replacing the battery, ensure the new one matches the dimensions, amperage rating, and cold cranking amps rating of the original, and that it is fully charged before installation. Installation is the reverse of removal, making sure to connect the negative cable last. After connecting the cables to the battery, apply a light coating of petroleum jelly or grease to the connections to help prevent corrosion, and finally, tighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified torque.
