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Almost everyone whos driven the same car or truck for a while has experienced a bad battery. The Ford F-150 is no exception. The F-series trucks have been around since 1948, but the F-150 was introduced in 1975, to replace the F-100. Many redesigns have updated the F-150 over the years. While removing the battery is still pretty much a standardized operation, there are things to consider on the newer ones before performing the procedure.
Removing the Battery.
Open the hood to the F-150. For the most part, Ford places the batteries in the F-series trucks on the front passenger side corner right behind the headlight. Locate the battery hold-down clamp and use a ratchet, extension and socket to release the battery from the battery tray. If the truck is older and you notice it does not have a battery hold-down clamp, obtain one. Not only is an unclamped battery dangerous in the event of an front-end collision, battery vibration is one of the leading causes of premature damage to the battery cells. And the battery will vibrate more if not safely secured to the tray. Use a hand wrench to loosen the black-wired negative terminal clamp first. Continue loosening until the clamp can be twisted with a pair of channel locks and then removed from the negative terminal post. Be sure that the wrench and channel locks do not come into contact with the both terminal posts at the same time. Removing the negative terminal from the battery first lessens the chance of electrical sparks emitting when the positive clamp is loosened by the metal wrench. Batteries contain caustic sulfuric acid dilute that can emit hydrogen gas. This gas is extremely flammable and, although unlikely, can lead to a battery explosion. Loosen the red-wired positive battery terminal clamp next until you can wiggle the clamp with the channel locks. Once youve removed the positive cable, carefully lift the battery out of the tray and from the engine compartment.
Things to Consider
If and when youre reconnecting the battery or installing a new battery, connect the red-wired positive cable first and then the black negative cable last. Again, this is it keep down the risk of electrical sparks. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when replacing a battery. In the unlikely event of an explosion, you should have full eye and hand protection. A battery explosion will result in plastic battery housing projectiles and a spraying sulfuric acid. On newer versions of the F-150, placing a computer memory saver into the power outlet/cigarette lighter port will help prevent losing PCM (powertrain control module) memory, theft-deterrent radio codes and internal manufacturer installed alarm system. If youre replacing the battery, most auto parts stores will charge you an additional core charge with the new battery that they will return to you once you bring in the old battery, as long as its not leaking or cracked open.
