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

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and turn off ignition
  2. Remove keys from vehicle
  3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  4. Locate battery in engine bay on passenger side
  5. Note radio security code if applicable before disconnecting battery

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect negative battery cable
    Using 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.
  2. 2
    Disconnect positive battery cable
    Using 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.
  3. 3
    Remove battery hold-down bracket
    Locate 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 spec
    Battery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Remove battery from vehicle
    Carefully 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.
  5. 5
    Inspect and clean battery tray
    Inspect 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.
  6. 6
    Clean battery cable terminals
    Using 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.
  7. 7
    Install new battery
    Place 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.
  8. 8
    Install battery hold-down bracket
    Position 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 spec
    Battery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Connect positive battery cable
    Position 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 spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Connect negative battery cable
    Position 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 spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Apply terminal protection
    Apply anti-corrosion spray or dielectric grease to both battery terminals to prevent future corrosion. Alternatively, install felt battery terminal protector pads if available.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all battery connections are tight and secure
  2. Verify the hold-down bracket is properly installed and torqued
  3. 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

More procedures for this vehicle

⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 2017 Ford F-150 repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Ford F-150 — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →