How do you replace a Buick Rendezvous battery?

Answer 1

First you need to remove that support bar that's blocking access, 13mm bolt is accessible just behind the fuse box, if you have an extended socket. If you do not have an extended socket, you will need to loosen the fuse box screw with an 8mm wrench. The support bar will slide out after it is unbolted. Disconnect the battery terminals with an 8mm or 5/16 wrench. Then remove the battery hold down bolt, 13mm socket. Now, take the battery out-be patient, it's a tight fit but it will come out.

I just changed the battery on our 2006 Rendezvous 3500 V6. I found the above answer to be helpful, however I would like to add the following:

To obtain sufficient clearance to remove the battery, the radiator cap must be loosened 1/4 turn so that the cap tabs are out of the way. DO NOT LOOSEN cap while coolant is hot. Also, remove overflow hose at cap location for extra clearance using pliers to open the clamp and slide the hose off. Next, notice the small guard by the the serpentine belt and pulley system that a wire harness is attached to. A 10mm bolt can be felt underneath the metal plate; remove using a 1/4" socket and ratchet. Hand spin it off carefully and don't drop it!

The battery may have a foam wrap which must be removed. Lift the battery out by tilting and bringing it upward.

Set the new battery in, install battery hold down bolt with a 13mm socket. Re-install the harness plate (start bolt by hand) and secure it with a 10mm socket.

Turn the radiator cap back to the original position and re-attach the overflow hose. Connect the battery posts - positive first and negative second. Tighten with an 8mm socket.

Re-install the support brace (hint: put some gum or a piece of kleenex into the socket and press fit the bolt into the socket). Re-install the front two bolts of the support brace.

Start the car!!