electrical
Battery
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
6
Steps
12
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the 12-volt battery in a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbocharged engine.
Warnings
⚠️Always disconnect negative terminal first and reconnect it last to prevent electrical shorts and potential airbag deployment
⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolts as this can damage the terminals or break the bolts
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets, clock settings, and may trigger a learning period for the PCM and transmission
ℹ️Use a memory saver if you want to preserve radio presets and avoid PCM relearning period
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-20 Nm range)Essential
Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
Anti-corrosion spray or dielectric grease
Memory saver (optional)
Parts
- 12V battery × 1 — Group 51R, 410 CCA minimum (Use Honda OEM 31500-TVA-A01 or equivalent)
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and turn off ignition
- Ensure all electrical accessories are off
- If using a memory saver, connect it to the OBD-II port or 12V accessory outlet before disconnecting battery
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
Procedure
- 1Access the batteryLocate the battery in the engine compartment on the driver's side. Remove any plastic battery cover if equipped by lifting it straight up.
- 2Disconnect negative terminalUsing a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Do not allow the cable to touch any metal surfaces.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect positive terminalUsing a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal. Note the position of any fusible link boxes or additional cables attached to the positive terminal.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 4Remove battery hold-down bracketUsing a 12mm socket, remove the battery hold-down bolt at the base of the battery. The hold-down bracket extends across the top of the battery. Lift the bracket up and off the battery.Torque specBattery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 5Remove batteryCarefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. The battery weighs approximately 25-30 lbs. Be careful not to tilt the battery excessively during removal to prevent acid leakage.
- 6Inspect and clean battery trayInspect the battery tray for corrosion, cracks, or damage. Clean any corrosion with a baking soda and water solution. Dry the tray completely before installing the new battery. Check that the battery tray is securely mounted.
- 7Clean battery terminals and cablesUse a battery terminal cleaner or wire brush to clean the inside of both battery cable terminals and remove any corrosion. Inspect cables for damage, fraying, or excessive corrosion that would require cable replacement.
- 8Install new batteryPlace the new battery in the battery tray, ensuring the positive and negative terminals are oriented correctly (positive terminal toward the front of the vehicle). The battery should sit flush in the tray without rocking.
- 9Install hold-down bracketPosition the hold-down bracket across the top of the battery and align it with the mounting point at the base. Install the hold-down bolt and torque to specification using a torque wrench.Torque specBattery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Connect positive terminalPlace the positive (+) cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure any fusible link boxes or additional cables are properly positioned. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal or break the bolt.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 11Connect negative terminalPlace the negative (-) cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification. The battery is now connected and the vehicle electrical system is active.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 12Apply terminal protectionApply anti-corrosion spray or dielectric grease to both battery terminals to prevent future corrosion. Reinstall the battery cover if equipped.
Reassembly
- Verify all tools have been removed from the engine compartment
- Ensure battery terminals are tight and secure
- Reinstall any battery cover removed during disassembly
Verification
- Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
- Start the engine and verify it cranks and starts normally
- Check that all electrical accessories function properly (lights, windows, radio, climate control)
- Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard after startup
- Reset the clock and radio presets as needed
- If equipped, reset power window auto-up/down function by fully lowering each window and then holding the switch up for 2 seconds after the window fully closes
- Test drive the vehicle to allow the PCM and transmission to relearn operating parameters