2002 Venture - Changing battery

[baby141]

How hard is it to change a battery on a 2002 venture. I'm not a mechanic and have limited mechanical skills.

['97ventureowner]

It's not very hard, just hard to get at and time consuming. Click on this link :http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=333096 and scroll down to the fourth post for detailed instructions on how to R&R a battery. Good luck. If the battery is not totally dead yet, and you can drive the van. you might want to call some of your local auto parts retailers to see if they offer free installation with battery purchase.

[baby141]

Thanks for your reply. Is there anyway to know for sure it is the battery and not the alternator. The van is a 2002 and I'm the original owner and the battery is still the original battery. I can boost it and then it will be okay for a day or so and then it will need another boost. I'm going to try to change it myself following your directions. I will keep you posted.

[534BC]

Originally Posted by baby141

Thanks for your reply. Is there anyway to know for sure it is the battery and not the alternator. The van is a 2002 and I'm the original owner and the battery is still the original battery. I can boost it and then it will be okay for a day or so and then it will need another boost. I'm going to try to change it myself following your directions. I will keep you posted.

This sounds like the alternator is not chargeing for some reason. Installing a new batt may start doing the same thing after a few days. The batt can be load tested (after it's charged) If it is not chargeing there should be an indication on the dash, but not sure if it is a voltmeter or light or what.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by baby141

How hard is it to change a battery on a 2002 venture. I'm not a mechanic and have limited mechanical skills.

A good volt/ohm meter is a good tool to check battery and charging system.
If you have one post the battery voltage engine off and then engine running.

[cjstew4]

Originally Posted by baby141

Thanks for your reply. Is there anyway to know for sure it is the battery and not the alternator. The van is a 2002 and I'm the original owner and the battery is still the original battery. I can boost it and then it will be okay for a day or so and then it will need another boost. I'm going to try to change it myself following your directions. I will keep you posted.

Before you buy and replace the battery, check it water level in eacf of the 6 fill holes unless it is a sealed battery. You s/b doing this anyway before the heat of the summer or cold of the winter. Refill with distilled water. You may have a bad cell or just low on water. Low on water usually leads to a bad cell that cannot be recovered and premature battery end of life. If it is a sealed battery, check for "green" vs red in the round window the size of nickel on the top of the battery. If not refillable and its red, replace.

Either way though, first jump it if it needs it, drive it to an Auto Zone, Kragen, Pep Boys, and have them do their free system check where they roll a test cart out that checks your entire charging system and tells you which part (battery, alternator, etc) is bad. Like the other guy, find the root cause before you start replacing. It is always good to have your alternator checked to make sure that it is putting out the proper amount to the battery.