Battery

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the battery on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Group 65 or Group 31 battery × 1 — 800+ CCA recommended for diesel
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion pads (optional) × 2 — Felt or fiber pads

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove key from ignition
3. If using a memory saver, connect it according to manufacturer instructions before disconnecting battery
4. Allow engine to cool if recently running
5. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment on driver side

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery cable
   Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Ensure the cable cannot swing back and touch the terminal.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery cable
   Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the positive (red) battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the battery post and position it away from the battery. Be careful not to let the positive cable contact any metal surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove battery hold-down
   Locate the battery hold-down bracket at the base of the battery. Using the appropriate socket (verify size on your fastener), remove the battery hold-down bolt/J-hook. Remove the hold-down bracket and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old battery
   Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Batteries are heavy (40-60 lbs) - use proper lifting technique. Inspect the battery tray for corrosion or damage.
5. 5

   Clean battery tray and terminals
   Clean the battery tray with a wire brush and baking soda solution if corrosion is present. Wipe dry. Use a battery terminal cleaner or wire brush to clean both battery cable terminals until they are shiny. Clean the inside of the cable clamps as well.
6. 6

   Install new battery
   Place the new battery in the battery tray, orienting the terminals to match the original battery's position so the cables reach without strain (verify against the removed battery). Ensure battery sits flat and level in the tray.
7. 7

   Install battery hold-down
   Position the hold-down bracket over the battery base. Install the hold-down bolt and tighten until the battery is firmly secured but not so tight as to distort or crack the battery case (verify torque spec in service data). Ensure the battery is secure and cannot move.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect positive battery cable
   Place the positive (red) cable terminal onto the positive battery post. If using anti-corrosion pads, install them first. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification - snug but do not overtighten as this can crack the terminal.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect negative battery cable
   Place the negative (black) cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Expect a small spark when making final connection - this is normal.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Apply terminal protection
    Spray battery terminal protection spray on both terminals to prevent corrosion, or apply dielectric grease. Ensure good coverage on terminals and cable ends.

Reassembly

1. Verify both terminals are tight and secure but not overtightened
2. Ensure battery hold-down bracket is properly secured
3. Remove memory saver if used
4. Close hood

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify all dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Start engine and verify it cranks and starts properly
• Check that alternator is charging - voltage should be 13.5-14.5V with engine running
• Reset clock and radio presets as needed
• Verify all electrical accessories function normally (lights, windows, HVAC, etc.)
• Allow engine to idle for a few minutes and verify no warning lights remain illuminated

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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