Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: How to Replace Battery

A dead battery is never good, but at least it's an easy replacement. Read this to learn how.

By Jared Hammond - September 8, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

If you've noticed that your Jeep won't restart no matter how many times you jump start the battery, it's a sign that the battery could be bad. Unfortunately there's not much you can do to repair a battery that's lost its charge, so the only option is to install a new one, which can be pretty expensive. At least, with this helpful article, you don't have to pay extra to have a mechanic install it for you.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement battery
  • Wrench
  • Ratchet and socket set
  • Car memory saver
  • Safety gloves
  • Battery cleaner
  • Battery terminal preserver

Be sure to wear safety gloves to avoid getting battery corrosion on your hands.

Step 1 – Open the hood

Locate the hood release to the bottom left of the dash panel on the driver's side. Pull the release and the hood should pop open. Lift up the safety clip and lift the hood. Pull up the prop stick and insert it to the hood to keep it open while you work.

Figure 1. The battery is at the bottom-left of the image.

Step 2 – Disconnect the battery cables

Start with the black negative battery cable. Use your wrench to unbolt the clamp holding down the negative cables. Once the cable is loose, tuck it out of the way where it won't accidentally make contact with the negative battery terminal. Repeat this for the red positive battery cable by unbolting the clamp to release the cable and moving it away from the positive terminal.

Figure 2. Disconnect the battery cables.

Step 3 – Remove the battery clamp

There is a stabilizing clamp that holds the battery in place while your Jeep is moving. You'll need to remove the bolts that hold down the clamp, then lift the clamp and set it aside.

Figure 3. Remove the support bracket.

Step 4 – Lift and remove old battery

Car batteries are quite heavy, so be careful when you try to lift it. Put your hands on the bottom of the sides of the battery, and then carefully lift it out of the engine bay. If you have difficulty lifting the battery, get someone to help you. Set the old battery aside once you have it out of the Jeep.

Step 5 – Install new battery

Do the reverse of the previous steps to install your new battery.

  • Lift the new battery and set it on the battery tray. Make sure it is sitting where the battery cables can reach their appropriate terminals.
  • Bolt down the stabilizing clamp and tighten it so that the battery doesn't shift in the tray.
  • Attach the positive battery cable to the positive battery terminal and tighten down the clamp.
  • Attach the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal and tighten down the clamp.

Once your battery is in place, use you battery cleaner to spray off any corrosion remaining on the battery cables. Try to get your new battery as clean as possible. Then spray on some battery terminal preserver. This spray will protect your battery terminals and cables from future corrosion.

Pro Tip

Don't forget to recycle your old battery after installing the new one. Most auto parts stores will recycle them for you.

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