Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, which is corrosive. Have a well-ventilated area to work in.
* Gather Supplies: You'll need a wrench (usually 10mm or 13mm, but check your owner's manual), a battery terminal cleaner (optional but recommended), and a new battery of the correct size and type (check your owner's manual or the old battery for this information). Some people also like to have baking soda and water handy to neutralize any spilled acid.
Steps:
1. Disconnect the Battery: This is crucial to prevent shorts and electrical damage. Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. Use your wrench to loosen the nuts holding the clamps onto the terminals.
2. Remove the Battery Hold-Down: Most Bonnevilles have a clamp or bracket holding the battery in place. This will usually involve loosening a bolt or two. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location and method for your specific year.
3. Lift Out the Old Battery: Carefully lift the battery out of its tray. Be mindful of its weight.
4. Clean the Terminals: Use a wire brush or terminal cleaner to remove corrosion from both the battery terminals and the car's battery cable clamps.
5. Install the New Battery: Carefully place the new battery into the tray, ensuring it's seated correctly.
6. Reconnect the Battery: Attach the positive (+) terminal clamp first, then the negative (-) terminal clamp. Tighten the nuts securely.
7. Secure the Battery: Reinstall the battery hold-down clamp or bracket.
8. Check your work: Start your car to ensure everything is working correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Battery Size and Type: The correct battery size and type are crucial. Check your owner's manual or the sticker on your old battery for this information (Group Size, CCA rating, etc.). Don't just grab any battery; get the one specified for your Bonneville.
* Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual is the best resource for specific instructions for your year and model of Pontiac Bonneville. It will show you exactly where the battery is located and how to access it.
* Corrosion: Significant corrosion can be a sign of an underlying electrical problem. If you see a lot of corrosion, you may want to have your car's electrical system checked by a mechanic.
If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, take your car to a mechanic or auto parts store; many offer battery replacement services. It's a relatively simple job, but safety is paramount.
