A: The battery powers most of the vehicle’s electronics when the engine isn’t running. It’s also responsible for powering the starter motor, which starts the engine.
On most sedans, trucks, and SUVs, the battery will be visible as soon as you open the hood. The battery’s exact location in the engine bay will vary depending on the engine configuration and vehicle design. However, some vehicles will have their batteries located in other places like the trunk.
On most sedans, trucks, and SUVs, the battery will be visible as soon as you open the hood.
The battery location of some vehicles won’t be readily apparent. For example, the Dodge Journey’s battery is located in the driver-side front fender. Unlike most vehicles where it’s accessible from the engine bay, the battery of the Dodge Journey is only accessible if you remove the wheel’s splash shield.
Tips on How to Access the Battery
When checking the battery, you need to know how to properly remove the terminals so that you can connect a voltmeter. To do this, remember that you should be removing the negative terminal first. The terminals will typically be labeled, but the negative terminal can also have black wires or leads, while the positive terminal wire is colored red. You’ll need a wrench so you can remove the bolts that hold the battery cable on the terminal. After removing the terminal wires, you’ll need to remove the hold-down strap.
If your vehicle doesn’t use an absorbent glass mat battery, make sure to keep your battery in an upright position to prevent spilling battery acid out of the caps or vents.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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