electrical
Battery
for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
24 min
Tools
7
Steps
11
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the 12-volt battery in a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.
Warnings
⚠Always disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to prevent short circuits and electrical damage.
⚠Battery is heavy (40-60 lbs). Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will reset radio presets, clock, and may trigger a relearn period for adaptive systems like idle control and transmission shift points.
⚠Do not overtighten battery terminals as this can crack the terminal posts and damage the battery.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socket and ratchet
Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Battery lift strap or handle
Anti-corrosion spray or dielectric grease
Parts
- 12-volt automotive battery × 1 — Group 65 (H7 or equivalent) - verify OEM specification for your vehicle
- Battery terminal protector pads (optional) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and turn off ignition
- Remove keys from vehicle
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Locate battery in engine bay on passenger side
- Note radio security code if applicable before disconnecting battery
Procedure
- 1Disconnect negative battery cableUsing a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. The negative terminal is marked with a minus (-) symbol and typically has a black cable.
- 2Disconnect positive battery cableUsing a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable and insulating cover from the battery post. Position the cable away from the battery. The positive terminal is marked with a plus (+) symbol and typically has a red cable.⚠Ensure the positive cable does not contact any metal surfaces while disconnected, as this can cause sparks or electrical damage.
- 3Remove battery hold-down bracketLocate the battery hold-down bracket at the base of the battery. Using a 13mm socket, remove the battery hold-down bolt that secures the bracket across the top of the battery. Remove the hold-down bracket and set aside.Torque specBattery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 4Remove battery from vehicleCarefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. The battery weighs approximately 40-60 pounds. Use a battery lift strap if available. Avoid tilting the battery excessively to prevent acid leakage.⚠Use proper lifting technique. Bend at the knees and keep your back straight to avoid injury.
- 5Inspect and clean battery trayInspect the battery tray for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean any corrosion using a solution of baking soda and water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Check that the tray is secure and all mounting points are intact.
- 6Clean battery cable terminalsUsing a battery terminal cleaner or wire brush, clean the inside of both positive and negative cable terminals to remove any corrosion or oxidation. Clean terminals ensure proper electrical contact and charging.
- 7Install new batteryPlace the new battery into the battery tray, ensuring it is oriented correctly with the positive terminal on the outboard (right) side and negative terminal on the inboard (left) side. The battery should sit flush in the tray without rocking.
- 8Install battery hold-down bracketPosition the battery hold-down bracket across the top of the battery and align with the mounting hole. Install and hand-tighten the hold-down bolt, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.Torque specBattery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 9Connect positive battery cablePosition the positive (+) cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure the terminal is fully seated and oriented correctly. Install the terminal bolt and hand-tighten, then torque to specification. Do not overtighten. Install the insulating cover over the positive terminal.⚠Overtightening can crack the battery post. Use a torque wrench and stop at 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft).Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 10Connect negative battery cablePosition the negative (-) cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Ensure the terminal is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and hand-tighten, then torque to specification. Do not overtighten.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 11Apply terminal protectionApply anti-corrosion spray or dielectric grease to both battery terminals to prevent future corrosion. Alternatively, install felt battery terminal protector pads if available.
Reassembly
- Ensure all battery connections are tight and secure
- Verify the hold-down bracket is properly installed and torqued
- Close hood and ensure it latches properly
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
- Start the engine and verify it cranks and starts without issue
- Check that all electrical systems are functioning (lights, radio, power windows, etc.)
- Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster related to charging system
- Reset clock and radio presets as needed
- Test drive vehicle briefly to allow adaptive systems to relearn (idle control, transmission shift points)
- After first drive, verify battery terminals are still tight and show no signs of arcing or overheating