electrical
Battery
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
6
Steps
10
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the 12-volt battery on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine.
Warnings
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets, clock settings, and may require window auto-up/down relearning.
⚠Do not allow metal tools to contact both battery terminals simultaneously to prevent sparks and injury.
ℹ️A memory saver can preserve vehicle settings but must be used carefully to avoid short circuits.
⚠Battery terminal bolts are soft and easily stripped. Do not overtighten beyond specified torque.
Tools required
10mm wrench or socketEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-20 Nm range)Essential
Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
Dielectric grease
Memory saver (optional)
Parts
- 12V Battery (Group 124R or equivalent) × 1 — OEM: 37110-D3400 or equivalent 650+ CCA
- Battery terminal protectant spray × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine off and keys removed from the vehicle
- Open the hood and prop it securely
- If using a memory saver, connect it to the OBD-II port or cigarette lighter before disconnecting the battery
- Locate the battery in the engine compartment on the driver's side
Procedure
- 1Disconnect the negative battery terminalUsing a 10mm wrench, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal and secure it away from the battery post to prevent accidental contact. The negative terminal is typically black and marked with a minus sign.
- 2Disconnect the positive battery terminalUsing a 10mm wrench, loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal. The positive terminal is typically red and may have a protective cover that needs to be lifted first.
- 3Remove the battery hold-down bracketLocate the battery hold-down bracket at the base of the battery. Using a 12mm socket, remove the hold-down bolt that secures the bracket across the top of the battery. Lift the bracket away and set aside.
- 4Remove the old batteryCarefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Batteries are heavy (typically 35-45 lbs) and should be lifted with proper technique to avoid injury. Inspect the battery tray for corrosion or debris.
- 5Clean the battery tray and terminalsUse a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to remove any corrosion from the battery tray and cable terminals. Wipe the tray clean with a damp cloth. Ensure the tray is dry before installing the new battery.
- 6Install the new batteryPlace the new battery into the battery tray, ensuring the positive and negative terminals are positioned in the correct orientation (positive toward the front-right). The battery should sit flat and stable in the tray.
- 7Install the battery hold-down bracketPosition the hold-down bracket over the battery and align the bolt hole. Install the hold-down bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the battery is secure and cannot move.Torque specBattery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 8Connect the positive battery terminalPlace the positive (+) cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure it is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as terminal bolts are made of soft lead alloy and can strip easily.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 9Connect the negative battery terminalPlace the negative (-) cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Ensure it is fully seated. Install the terminal bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 10Apply terminal protectionApply a light coating of dielectric grease or battery terminal protectant spray to both terminals to prevent future corrosion. Replace any terminal covers that were removed.
Reassembly
- Ensure both battery terminals are tight and secure with no movement
- Verify the hold-down bracket is properly torqued and the battery cannot shift
- Remove memory saver if used
Verification
- Turn the ignition to the ON position and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
- Start the engine and confirm it cranks and starts without hesitation
- Check that all electrical accessories function properly (radio, windows, lights, climate control)
- Verify there are no warning lights related to battery or charging system on the dashboard
- Perform window auto-up/down relearn procedure if necessary: fully lower each window, then fully raise and hold the switch for 2 seconds
- Reset clock and radio presets as needed