How To Change Battery On VS Commodore?

[darrenzahra]

I have just bought a new vs commodore and battery is a bit dodgy. I was wondering what has to be done to replace it so the computer and immobilizer won't be damaged.

[mojododo]

nothing excpet dont short out the positive terminal to the body with a spanner......

just undo the terminals and remove them off the battery and remove battery from vehicle.

[Rossbx]

An auto electrician once told me to turn the headlights on (hi-beam) when changing the battery; that way if you get a power spike through the system, the headlights will absorb the spike and save your computer. works for me anyway.
You can also get a device that plugs into your cigarette lighter socket that stops you losing your radio settings and things like that. I forget what you call them now but they run on a 9volt battery and are available from most parts stores

[VXHBD6]

Rossbx: That high-beam thing seems to make sense aye, worst case you blow a fuse or globe.

[RX25SE]

Turning on the headlamps may CAUSE a voltage spike. The battery sparks when you disconnect it??????
A voltage spike won't blow a fuse or globe as it doesn't last long enough.

[axemurderer101]

the highbeam trick is better for jumpstarting not changing the battery. i change batteries everyday at work and never had any problems, just make sure you have the code for the radio if it still has the factory one. some of the newer cars i think like the toyota prado you have to re program the electric windows.

[darrenzahra]

Thanks for the help. Do you know how to find the radio pin code out? And any suggestions for a quality battery?

[Brett_jjj]

Take your rego papers and licence to holden along with your VIN number or take the car there, and they will be able to look up your radio code.Some holden dealers charge a fee for this, some dont.

[hako]

Unless your radio/cassette is the original Eurovox unit, it should not need a code.
Also it's recommended you remove the negative battery terminal first for safety as connects to the body (earth) of the car. The positive terminal is the 'hot' one and if you don't disconnect the negative terminal first, your spanner will short out if it touches any part of the car body whilst removing the positive terminal.
Most batteries are pretty good nowdays - most places will instal it for you and get rid of the old one as part of the deal.

[chrisdoesitbetter]

with batteries, what is the strongest (CCA wise) 12v battery? do the CCA matter and if the rating is too high will it break stuff?

[hako]

CCA (cold cranking amps) is not necessarily the best guide for your choice in batteries. Have a read of this link:
Battery CCA/amp hours formula @ ExplorOz

[axemurderer101]

just go with an sealed Ac delco, any good battery shop will match a battery to suit your car. As for CCA more is better really and it wont hurt your car, you only really worry about Amp hours if you are powering things while the engine is off eg, listening to the radio.

[chrisdoesitbetter]

thanks hako... good link

[VKCOMMO]

In relation to the high beam bit my TAFE teacher told up turn off as much as possible, and make sure the doors are shut cause of the inside light.

That is to stop sparks from connecting the leads igniting the gas the battery let's off.