How to Test and Replace a Bad Car Battery (COMPLETE Ultimate Guide)

Is your car battery dead? Need a new car battery? Learn how to test if your car battery is bad and how to recharge a dead car battery. Also learn which car battery is best for your car. In this video I show you how to test your car battery with a multimeter, clean corrosion from the battery terminals, test your alternator, test for a parasitic draw, load test a battery, and replace a car battery properly. I also show the inside of a car battery with a bad cell and I show how batteries work with multiple grids and how they go bad with heat, vibration and corrosion. And finally I show you the main difference between the different grades of battery and which is right for you.

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[corbinhammond]

can you do a how-to hold the flashlight so we don't get yelled at

[nicholasbaldwin]

-Wife "you know how to do everything in this video"
-Me " Yeah but I like to watch ChrisFix"

[craigthompson]

I am not a car mechanic, but I am a licensed millwright and a licensed electrician. I watch hundreds of you tube, I have to say this one is one of the very best I have seen. It covers a lot of detail and fact. I am sure there are many viewers that can take away some new knowledge after seeing this. Appreciate the completeness of video and effort you put in. Congrats!

[brandonhooker]

I would like to add a few things to this:

•Flat vs dead. A flat battery is a good battery that has been partially discharged, but can still be charged and will hold its charge. A dead battery will not hold a charge at all.
•AGM batteries have a faster charge & discharge rate with a higher depth of discharge rating than flooded. They also have different internal designs (through the wall vs over the wall; thin plate vs spiral cell; recycled lead vs pure virgin lead) that affect performance.
•Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are an updated flooded design better suited for basic stop/start wear & tear without the additional cost of using an AGM battery (still more expensive than a basic FLA battery).
•AGM batteries typically charge at 14.1-14.8V with most vehicles being able to handle at least 15V for a short time during a cold start. Their float charge is about 13.5-13.8V (some batteries disclose this info more specifically).
•If the vehicle has a battery management system (part of a smart charging system) then that system needs to be reset as soon as possible after replacing a battery as it monitors the age as well as other variables (temperature, state of charge, current flow) for better charging habits to increase fuel efficiency and battery lifespan.
•Stop/start systems are usually equipped with an AGM, but sometimes with an EFB. If a flooded battery is changed to an AGM (or vice versa) in a vehicle with a smart charging system then the system needs to have the battery type changed as well or the battery could be charged improperly resulting in a shortened battery life.

[boppo]

Chrixfix purposely drained all the batteries in his car to make a extensive video about battery diagnostic and repair. This man is a beast.

[shelterrockisland]

Dude - your videos are absolute money! So intelligent, well filmed and detailed. Very well done and just saved myself a whole lot of money at dealer troubleshooting a 2012 Volvo S60 T6 with a parasitic draw from the Sirius radio that kept polling even after the car was turned off. Please keep making them!

[michaelm]

With the cost of everything ten fold, I have been taking on my car's repairs for the first time while pretty much removing each part or piece and putting in back, which I NEVER would have thought I could without you, so thanks more than a lot, M

[A-Simple-Carguy]

Benefit of learning with Chris...

You don't get yelled for not holding the light properly.

[jonathanfryman]

Chris, I used to work in an AGM and SLI battery mfg plant and I can say for certain that the example you cut open was our fault. The pole that fell from the battery plates is caused by manufacturing defect. The plates are cast long before they are dipped into the mold of the cell. If the lugs (thin fingers above the plates) are dirty, wet, or cold, the cell won't cast perfectly. Your description is incredible and I just want to share my love while giving you a bit of insight in the industry. Much love!!

[TheRockasaki]

7:10 Battery check
16:56 Testing the Alternator
18:31 Parasitic Draw
26:18 Load Test

[darrengarlock]

I just recently discovered your videos/channel and I can't stop watching. I like tinkering around on my car and was ok with doing simple things like oil changes and replacing brake pads and rotors; anything else felt like it would just be too complicated and I'd mess something up. But your guides are so informative and well-explained that I now feel like I can do anything. Thanks for helping me find the confidence to do it myself.

[hennessyrodriguez]

I have so much respect for Chris not only because he educates us but he goes above and beyond getting great angles and giving great advice and tips

[Naeromusic]

Even if I know all this stuff, I just like to watch because it's ChrisFix and he deserves all the views he can get

[justinwood]

I hadn't even thought to wiggle the wires. Duh. Positive was dangling by a thread. Tightened up and it fired right away! I can't get enough of your videos! No makes troubleshooting and repair more approachable! Thank you, Chris!

[wholeNwon]

When buying a device to keep a battery fully charged long term, the description one should be looking for is "maintainer". As opposed to many "trickle chargers", maintainers are intended to be connected to the batteries for long periods of time and are ideal for storage applications.
Really good video, as always.

[mussabtiwana]

"Cars are meant to be driven"
- Chris fix
Well there are 6000 languages in the world and this guy decided to speak facts

[philipprohn]

1:57 "Let's go get started!" - can we just appreciate that pun for a second?!

[hfamepham]

I wish this man become my neighbor so that he can help fixing my car 😂😂😂😂❤

[dhflannagan]

Rapid fire video. Well presented and narrated. No mugging for the camera, just your blue, gloved hands, love it.
Great job! Thanks

[Cazwhin]

Chris fix annoys me cause he makes such amazing videos, then he leaves for another month or so WE MUST MORE! WE WANT MORE!