Normal Battery Installation for Hummer H3
Okay, here are the details of installing a battery for the Hummer H3.
I got home and installed the battery as fast as I could. My son was with my wife at “My Gym” so I had about 45 minutes to get this battery in.
Installation should take about 15 minutes, it took me about 30 minutes, mainly because I double checked everything and took pictures along the way to make sure I didn’t forget anything. It was dark.
It’s really quite easy. The battery I installed was a Bosch PremiumPower. (about $75 USD)
This summer when I have time, I’ll probably install an Optima Red Top and keep this guy as a backup.
Here is what it says on the top:
- CCA @ 0^F : 630
- CA @ 32^F : 785
- RC Mins @ 25 Amps : 90
- Part Number: 86-630B
- Group Size: 86
Uninstallation of Old Battery:
Click open the battery’s negative (black) cover to access the post and nut. Loosen the negative battery cable nut.
I used a 10mm socket wrench for this. Pull it off the post and set aside. Make sure it doesn’t touch anything.
Click open the battery’s positve (red) cover. Loosen the positive cable nut. Work it off the post and set aside. Again make sure this doesn’t touch anything. Even though it’s not connected to anything it’s just a good habit to keep when working with electrical stuff.
Remove battery vent hose. It slides right off.
Remove the battery upper box. Press the locking tabs inward and lift up. It might be easier to do one side and angle it up to release the other tab. The tab closest to the fender is a little tight to get your hand in to push the tab. Angle it out.
Disengage the battery strap.
I used a 13mm socket wrench for this.
Loosen and take off the nut. Slide strap end up. This will create the slack you need to take the strap off the other side of the battery’s lower tray’s restraint. Also this exposes the cleat that holds the base of the battery down.
The cleat fits over a groove that is in the battery and wedges it down. Remove the cleat by pulling it straight up along the bolt that it sits on.
Here is a picture of the cleat.
You must remove the cleat before you remove the battery. The 2 pictures above where shot just to show the cleat. I had already taken the battery out so you can see how it wedges the battery down. Just imagine the battery sitting in the tray. You’ll see in a couple of photos below with the new battery installed.
Remove the battery.
Installation of New Battery:
Note the groove toward the bottom backside of the battery.
Place new battery into lower half of battery tray. Notice there is no cleat yet. Make sure, if you are installing a battery intended for a Hummer H3, the groove on the back of the battery is closest to the firewall of the engine compartment. This is where the safety cleat will clamp down on.
Place safety cleat over bolt and slide down into position.
Place battery strap on the front side, hook into position.
Place end of battery strap over bolt on top of the safety cleat.
Install the retainer nut. Use that 13mm socket and tighten down. If the battery you are installing sits a little shorter, wedge it with some material that can take some heat, it gets hot in there.
Install the battery upper box and make sure the tabs click.
Make sure your Positive and Negative battery cables are free from corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean. Install the positive (red) cable. Use the 10mm socket to tighten nut. Install the Negative cable, tighten the nut. Close the plastic covers.
Connect the battery vent hose.
All done. Start her up!
Hey, Leave a comment. Let me know if you stopped by! Thanks!
Thanks! This really helped me out! As usual, the dealership is trying to rip me off. It looks like I can do this one myself for less than half what they are charging.
I’m glad I could help! Just make sure you have the basic tools and you’ll be fine. If you have other questions check out http://www.hummerxclub.com. It’s a forum that has a lot of info and great group of people who know a lot about their Hummers and other 4×4 vehicles without the attitude. Take Care!
Thanks for taking the time to post the H3 battery swap.
Saved me a lot of time… Worked great thanks to you!
Good to hear! Thanks for stopping by!
Much appreciate the tutorial. The pics were very helpful.
Thanks for your comment!
This was great my Battery is on it’s way out with the cold. Can you use a battery from Canadian Tire?
Thanks! You should be able to order a battery from Canadian Tire, I would call them beforehand to make sure. Here is a link to a Hummer Forum that I get a lot of good info. This is a thread I started a couple of years ago about getting a new battery for the H3. http://www.hummerxclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=11519&start=0&hilit=battery
I love my H3. Before this little tank, I drove an XTERRA without stability or power. I was not looking for speed, endurance, but certainly with the class. With H3, I found a woman like me, reliable, easy, fun and very enjoyable. Even I did not face any problem with the battery.
Very cool. I had a 1994 Pathfinder before my H3. Love my H3.
Very helpful, thank you !
Need to drive 75 miles to replace the battery in wife’s H3–making sure I had the right tools and didn’t look like an idiot when I got there. This is one of the greatest benefits of the internet. Thanks for your willingness/ability to help.
Robert, I’m glad I could help!