"How hard can it be?"

[jlumen]

Famous last words, right?

Here'a mini rant about me, Spock - my Grand Cherokee, and the over engineering of my batteries.

Awhile ago my auxilary battery went out. The mechanic at the dealership mentioned this when my climate system went kaput. They of course recommended replacing both batteries at a cost of $900! This is my first SUV and six cylinder car so I've had a lot of sticker shock but even with that, I had to get a second opinion or two on getting that done. Or do it myself.

Now it looks like my main battery might be on its way out. Not sure if it's the cold weather, which could explain why now everything is acting fine but I figured "Y'know it's time you just figure out how to change the batteries yourself, how hard can it be?"

I looked up a couple YouTube videos, it didn't seem so hard. Priced out the batteries - almost $400 altogether, ouch. But still I would save on labor. But first I needed some new tools, I left my socket wrench back in California and and my screwdriver and drill have been all I've needed the past few years. After watching a couple videos I thought I had everything I needed.

• Locate the batteries? No problem
• Use the 10mm and 13mm sockets to remove the terminals? Easy! I bought deep sockets just for this situation as recommended.
• Remove the retaining nut for the bracket holding the battery?  Uhoh- my deep socket is not deep enough.
• Transfer the pins to the new battery since it's not OEM?  Looks like that maybe needs an E5 (I'm honestly guessing based on a Jeep Wrangler video).

Y'all did I mention this is just to replace a battery!? How ridiculous is that? Did I mention I also still need a headlight, that's pretty tricky to get to as well? Having the ADHD push of hyperfocus followed by complete disinterest at the sign of an obstacle, I'm tempted to just take it to the shop. Some say I could get it replaced for $150 in labor. Still, I think I'm going to give it another try. I'm still part time and could use the savings and there's something very personal about the fact that I should at least be able to change a darn battery and my headlights on my own. Also, this is a 2017, and something tells me these cars aren't going to get any easier to do these basic things so I might as well learn now. 

Comments

[cyberneticdryad]

It is so frustrating how complicated they have made repairs and maintenance on newer cars. =/ I hope you're able to figure it out though!

[jlumen]

I'm sure there's some purpose in it "to get more people to just pay to get it done" but it also feels remarkably unsafe considering here in the States most of us need our cars (outside of few areas) and so many simply can barely afford the parts much less the labor.
Thanks! Luckily it's the auxiliary battery, not the one that makes it go so I've got some wiggle room.