Replacing the battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu is a necessary maintenance task that can help to keep your car running smoothly. A dead battery can leave you stranded and unable to start your car, so it’s important to know how to replace it if necessary. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start.
First, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a new battery, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands. Once you have your tools and materials, you can begin the process of replacing the battery. To start, you’ll need to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This is done by loosening the nut on the terminal using the wrench. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the terminal from the battery. Next, you’ll need to disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. This is done in the same way as disconnecting the negative terminal. Once both terminals are disconnected, you can remove the old battery from the car.
To install the new battery, you’ll need to insert it into the battery tray. Once the battery is in place, you can connect the positive terminal to the battery. This is done by tightening the nut on the terminal using the wrench. Next, you’ll need to connect the negative terminal to the battery. This is done in the same way as connecting the positive terminal. Once both terminals are connected, you can start your car and check to make sure that the new battery is working properly.
Safety Precautions
Before You Begin:
* Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. This will prevent the car from rolling while you are working on it.
* Turn off the engine and allow it to cool completely. This will prevent burns and injuries from hot engine components.
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will prevent electrical shock and damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. To do this, use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nut that secures the negative battery cable to the battery.
Additional Safety Precautions:
* Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the battery. Battery acid is corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation.
* Do not smoke or use open flames near the battery. Hydrogen gas is produced when the battery is charging, and it is highly flammable.
* Avoid prolonged exposure to the battery fumes. Battery fumes can be harmful to your health.
* If you come into contact with battery acid, flush the affected area with plenty of water.
* If you accidentally swallow battery acid, seek medical attention immediately.
| Potential Hazard | Safety Measure |
|---|---|
| Battery Acid | Wear gloves and eye protection. |
| Hydrogen Gas | Do not smoke or use open flames near the battery. |
| Battery Fumes | Avoid prolonged exposure. |
| Accidental Ingestion | Seek medical attention immediately. |
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Tools
To successfully replace the battery in your 2014 Chevy Malibu, you will need the following tools:
- Wrench or Socket Set
- Safety Glasses
- Gloves
- Battery Terminal Cleaning Tool (optional)
- Multimeter (optional)
Materials
In addition to the tools, you will also need the following materials:
- New Battery (Group Size H6)
- Battery Terminal Protectant
Choosing the Right Battery
When selecting a new battery, it is crucial to choose the correct size and type. The 2014 Chevy Malibu requires a Group Size H6 battery. This information is often printed on the top of the old battery or can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Additionally, consider the Ampere-hours (Ah) and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) of the battery. A higher Ah rating indicates a longer reserve capacity, while a higher CCA rating ensures better starting power in cold weather.
Battery Terminal Protectant
Battery terminal protectant helps prevent corrosion and ensures a good electrical connection. It is applied to the terminals before installing the new battery. Applying a thin layer to the terminal posts and the inside of the battery clamps will help extend the life of your battery and connections.
Locating the Battery
1. Open the hood of your 2014 Chevy Malibu and locate the battery on the passenger side of the engine compartment.
2. The battery is secured by a metal bracket with a 10mm bolt. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt and remove the bracket.
3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. Be careful not to touch the terminals together, as this could cause a spark.
4. Lift the battery out of the engine compartment and replace it with a new one of the same size and type.
5. Connect the positive battery terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.
6. Tighten the 10mm bolt to secure the metal bracket.
7. Close the hood and start your Malibu to verify that the new battery is working properly.
Disconnecting the Negative Terminal
Loosen the Bolt
Locate the negative terminal of the battery, which is typically marked with a black or negative (-) symbol. Using a wrench, carefully loosen the nut that secures the negative terminal cable to the battery post. Do not remove the nut completely at this stage.
Wiggle the Cable
Once the nut is loose, gently wiggle the negative terminal cable back and forth to break any corrosion that may have accumulated over time. This will make it easier to remove the cable completely.
Lift Off the Cable
Once the cable is loose, carefully lift it off the battery post and pull it away from the battery. Do not touch the bare metal end of the cable, as this could cause an electrical shock. Place the cable in a safe location where it will not come into contact with any metal surfaces.
| Tip |
|---|
| Before disconnecting the battery, turn off the engine and remove the keys from the ignition. This will prevent any electrical damage or data loss. |
Disconnecting the Positive Terminal
Now that you have the necessary safety precautions in place, it’s time to disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Locate the Positive Terminal: Identify the positive terminal on the battery. It’s usually marked with a "+" sign or red casing.
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Protect Your Hands: Wear thick gloves or wrap your wrench in a cloth to prevent electrical shock.
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Loosen the Nut: Using a wrench or a socket set, carefully loosen the nut that holds the positive terminal cable in place. Don’t remove it completely yet.
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Lift the Terminal: Once the nut is loose, gently lift the positive terminal cable away from the battery post. Avoid touching the metal part of the terminal with your hand.
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Slide Off the Plastic Cover: Some battery terminals have a plastic cover over the nut. If this is the case, gently slide the cover off before lifting the terminal.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Locate the Positive Terminal | Identify the red or “+” marked terminal on the battery. |
| Protect Your Hands | Wear gloves or wrap your wrench to prevent electrical shock. |
| Loosen the Nut | Turn the nut counterclockwise using a wrench or socket set. |
| Lift the Terminal | Gently lift the positive terminal cable away from the battery post. |
| Slide Off the Plastic Cover | If present, carefully remove the plastic cover before lifting the terminal. |
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Inspect the Terminal: Once the terminal is disconnected, inspect it for any damage or corrosion. Clean it if necessary.
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Move the Cable: Secure the positive terminal cable out of the way so it doesn’t come into contact with the battery posts.
Removing the Battery
To replace the battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu, you’ll need to first remove the old battery. Here are the steps involved:
1. Safety Precautions
Before you begin, make sure you have the proper safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Also, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical shocks.
2. Locate the Battery
The battery is located in the engine compartment, usually on the passenger side. It’s typically covered by a plastic cover that you’ll need to remove.
3. Remove the Negative Terminal
Using a wrench or socket, loosen the bolt that connects the negative terminal to the battery. Once it’s loose, lift the terminal off the battery post.
4. Remove the Positive Terminal
Repeat the same steps for the positive terminal, loosening the bolt and lifting it off the battery post.
5. Unhook the Battery Brace
There may be a metal brace holding the battery in place. Locate it and use a wrench or socket to loosen the bolts.
6. Lift Out the Battery
Once the terminals and brace are removed, you can carefully lift the battery out of the engine compartment. Be sure to grip it securely and avoid touching the terminals.
| Tip: |
|---|
| Place a piece of cardboard or a towel under the battery to prevent any spilled acid from damaging the engine compartment. |
Installing the New Battery
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use a wrench or socket to loosen the nut that holds the negative battery terminal in place. Carefully lift the terminal off the battery post.
2. Disconnect the positive battery terminal. Repeat the process for the positive battery terminal.
3. Remove the old battery. Carefully lift the old battery out of the battery tray.
4. Clean the battery tray. Use a brush or a damp cloth to clean the battery tray. This will help ensure a good electrical connection with the new battery.
5. Place the new battery in the battery tray. Carefully lower the new battery into the battery tray. Make sure that the positive terminal is facing the positive terminal on the tray.
6. Connect the positive battery terminal. Tighten the nut that holds the positive battery terminal in place.
7. Connect the negative battery terminal. Repeat the process for the negative battery terminal. Make sure the terminal is tightened securely, but do not over-tighten it.
Torquing the Battery Terminals
It is important to torque the battery terminals to the correct specifications. This will ensure a good electrical connection and prevent the terminals from loosening over time. The torque specifications for the battery terminals on a 2014 Chevy Malibu are as follows:
| Terminal | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Positive | 10 |
| Negative | 10 |
Reconnecting the Negative Terminal
9. Reconnect the negative terminal (black).
- Locate the negative terminal on the battery. It is typically black and has a minus (-) sign on it.
- Clean the terminal and the battery post with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or dirt.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or anti-corrosion spray to the terminal and the post to prevent future corrosion.
- Tighten the negative terminal nut using a wrench. Do not overtighten it, as this can damage the terminal or the battery.
- Double-check that the negative terminal is securely connected.
To ensure the battery is securely fastened and connected properly, refer to the table below for the recommended torque specifications:
| Battery Terminal Size | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| M6 | 89 |
| M8 | 130 |
| M10 | 177 |
Cleaning the Battery Terminals
Cleaning the battery terminals is an important step before replacing the battery. Dirty or corroded terminals can prevent the battery from making a good connection with the vehicle’s electrical system, which can lead to starting problems or other electrical issues. To clean the battery terminals, you will need the following:
Materials:
Steps:
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Loosen the nut that holds the positive battery terminal in place, and then remove the terminal.
3. Use a wire brush to clean the terminals and the posts on the battery.
4. Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals and posts.
5. Reattach the positive battery terminal and tighten the nut.
6. Connect the negative battery terminal.
Additional Tips:
* If the terminals are badly corroded, you may need to use a terminal cleaner or a vinegar-based solution to remove the corrosion.
* Be careful not to get any of the cleaning solution on the battery itself.
* If you are not comfortable cleaning the battery terminals yourself, you can take your vehicle to a mechanic to have them cleaned.
| Material |
|---|
| Wire brush |
| Petroleum jelly |
| Terminal cleaner (optional) |
| Vinegar (optional) |
How to Replace a Battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu
Replacing a battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Here are the steps involved:
- Park the car in a safe location and turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and locate the battery. It is usually located on the right side of the engine compartment.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench or socket. Be careful not to touch the positive terminal with the wrench.
- Disconnect the positive battery terminal.
- Remove the battery hold-down clamp.
- Lift the battery out of the vehicle.
- Place the new battery in the vehicle and secure it with the hold-down clamp.
- Connect the positive battery terminal.
- Connect the negative battery terminal.
- Tighten the battery terminals using a wrench or socket.
- Close the hood.
- Start the engine and check the battery voltage. It should be between 12 and 14 volts.
People also ask
How much does it cost to replace a battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu?
The cost of replacing a battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu varies depending on the type of battery you choose and the location of the repair. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for the battery and labor.
How long does it take to replace a battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu?
Replacing a battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu typically takes about 30 minutes.
Can I replace the battery in my 2014 Chevy Malibu myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace the battery in a 2014 Chevy Malibu yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working on your vehicle, it is best to have it done by a mechanic.
What type of battery does a 2014 Chevy Malibu use?
The 2014 Chevy Malibu uses a Group 65 battery. This type of battery is commonly used in vehicles with V6 engines.
