How do I change my own battery for '01?

[Guest pokerface2]

We bought a used '01 in Jan 04 from a dealer. I doubt the battery was changed by the dealer. My wife recently used the radio and turned the key to the "ingnition/start" position instead of the auxillary position. So we couldn't start it when it was time to leave the store and needed a jump.

 

Now it won't start after sitting in the driveway a couple days. I think I need a new battery. Would like to replace it anyway as I am unsure how old the one in it is now. The owners manual doesn't mention how to do it. Will I have any problems doing it myself? - considering everything is electronic in it. Or should I just bring it to Sears and let them put one in it. I was thinking of a diehard. We live in a suburb of Chicago - need that cold weather cranking amps. I'm just worried I might need a code to reset the radio or something like that once I replace the battery. Thanks for any input.

[Trainman]

I had to replace the battery on my 02 after it went through a -36 cold snap. It had lived on the west coast its entire life before I bought it so was not used to what we get in the interior of BC.

 

No codes were needed, just unbolt the old one, put in the new one. Should be good to go. It is not unusual for the battery to be disconnected for certain types of servicing (as a safety thing). I had our garage do the battery switch over so they can dispose of the old one properly.

[Trainman]

Oh, you will have to re-set the clock.

[Guest pokerface2]

Trainman-

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Only thing that needs to be reset are the radio stations. Had no problems putting the battery in.

 

It was the original Nissan battery, I'm guessing. The water level was low - about half way up when I unscrewed the caps to check. I was not aware it needed to be checked, even though I've been under the hood to change my oil several times. I didn't pay attention - I thought it was maintenance free. Oh well.... Thanks again.

[XPLORx4]

If you're willing to spend a little more money, you can replace the battery with an Exide Orbital or Optima red-top battery.

 

Both of these batteries are sealed, never need refilling, and never leak. They can also withstand being completely discharged better than a standard battery.

 

Another benefit of this type of battery is that the terminals never corrode, either.

[2001pathfinderLE]

ill second the red top...best battery ive ever used....