How do I pull a Saturn 2000 LW 1 battery?

[crrudy]

The battery cable broke and took part of the battery with it. I've disengaged the battery cables, now need to remove the battery. It appears to be locked in tight.

Does anyone know how to do this? Can't find instructions in the manual.

[crrudy]

The local public library has an Ebsco product that includes car manuals. After searching "battery removal", I found a section that states simply--remove terminals in proper order, remove hold down clamp, remove battery. Unfortunately, it doesn't mention where the hold down clamp is--in front of the battery, behind it, on the right side, left side? It ain't obvious.

Anyone know?

[sierrap615]

it typicily is right on top of the battery, in the few cases its not, check around the bottom (on the terminal side IIRC) there may be a wedge holding on to a lip around the battery. get a long extention and unbolt.

[crrudy]

[quote=crrudy]The battery cable broke and took part of the battery with it. I've disengaged the battery cables, now need to remove the battery. It appears to be locked in tight.

Well, had to hire a teenager. He took about four minutes (tops) to remove the battery. There is a black box in front of the battery that is attached to the battery lock down clamp. It is also wired to the battery. The black box covers the bolt that holds the battery lock down clamp, so the box must be removed (gently as it is full of wiring).

The black box is removed by pressing a small "button", about 3/8" by 1/8", hidden on its back side. (Can not be seen by eyes over 50 yrs.) Then the bolt can be reached, the clamp removed, and the battery lifted out. I think it took him another minute to install the new battery. Well worth the $20.

Why isn't this procedure detailed in a manual?

[sierrap615]

maybe the manual was written by some teenager who needed a extra 20 bucks?

[chucklez73]

Thanks for the help here crrudy. I was having a problem taking the battery out until I read your post.

Why does saturn have to make things so darn difficult on their cars? They seem to want to MAKE people take their vehicles back to the dealership so they can make even more money.

[sierrap615]

GM has been using that style of hold down for years, at least since the early or mid 90s. the oringinal Saturn S-series did not use this style.

[Allbert]

Wanted to mention that I had the same issue (positive terminal leaking and breaking out of battery) on my 2002 Saturn L. Please make a complaint of this issue to the NHTSA so they can pressure GM to initiate a recall and possibly reimburse us for the cost of these batteries.