Howtoo Logo
2018 Toyota 4Runner
1996 - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
Inline 4 2.7L
Compatible with more variants.

Here is everything needed for this repair

See what I can do

Make Money

With HowToo

OnOff
2010 To 2024 Toyota 4Runner How To Change 12V Car Battery - Quick & Easy Version

2010 To 2024 Toyota 4Runner How To Change 12V Car Battery - Quick & Easy Version

Suggested Parts

See all parts background
See All Parts

Tools & Fluids

10mm
10mm
Socket
or (3/8")
3/8
3/8
Ratchet
3/8
3/8
Torque Wrench
Jaw Gear
Jaw Gear
Puller
Wire Brush
Wire Brush
Steel
See all parts background
See All Tools

How to Replace the Battery in a 1996-2024 Toyota 4Runner (Engine: V6 4.0L)

Step-by-step Group 24F installation with tools, torque specs, and safety tips for 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2010

How to Replace the Battery in a 1996-2024 Toyota 4Runner (Engine: V6 4.0L)

Step-by-step Group 24F installation with tools, torque specs, and safety tips for 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2010

Orion
Orion

๐Ÿ”ง 4Runner - Battery Replacement

Replacing the battery involves disconnecting the old battery, removing its hold-down bracket, and installing a new Group 24F battery with the terminals in the correct positions. Your 4Runner does not require battery registration or programming after replacement.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes


โš ๏ธ Safety & Precautions

  • โš ๏ธ Turn the ignition off and keep the key away from your 4Runner before touching the battery.
  • ๐Ÿงค Wear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves because batteries contain corrosive acid.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from the battery.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Never allow a metal tool to touch both battery terminals or a positive terminal and body metal simultaneously.
  • โž– Disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last.
  • ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ The battery weighs approximately 40-50 pounds; lift it upright with both hands and a battery carrier strap.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Disconnecting the battery may erase the clock, radio presets, and learned automatic-window positions.

๐Ÿ”ง Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • 10mm socket
  • 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
  • 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench rated 5-30 Nm
  • Battery terminal puller (specialty)
  • Battery terminal cleaning brush
  • Battery carrier strap rated 75 pounds minimum
  • Shop towels
  • Chemical-resistant gloves
  • Safety glasses

๐Ÿ”ฉ Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Group 24F 12-volt battery with top posts and reversed terminals - Qty: 1
  • Battery terminal protector spray - Qty: 1

๐Ÿ“‹ Before You Begin

  • ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Park your 4Runner on level ground, shift into Park, apply the parking brake, and switch off all electrical accessories.
  • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Turn the ignition off, remove the key, and wait at least two minutes before disconnecting the battery.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Record radio presets if you want to restore them afterward.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Confirm the replacement is a Group 24F battery with the positive terminal toward the passenger side when installed.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Do not use a memory saver through the diagnostic connector; it can leave vehicle circuits energized while you work.

๐Ÿ”จ Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Hood and Locate the Battery

  • Use chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses before opening the hood.
  • Locate the battery at the front passenger side of the engine compartment.
  • Use shop towels to wipe loose dirt from the battery top so debris cannot fall around the tray.

Step 2: Disconnect the Negative Terminal

  • Use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the negative-terminal clamp marked โ€œโˆ’.โ€
  • Lift the clamp straight off. If stuck, use the battery terminal puller; this tool removes the clamp without twisting or damaging the battery post.
  • Move the negative cable aside where it cannot spring back onto the post.
  • Never pry against the battery case.

Step 3: Disconnect the Positive Terminal

  • Open the red positive-terminal cover.
  • Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the positive-terminal clamp marked โ€œ+.โ€
  • Use the battery terminal puller if the clamp will not lift off by hand.
  • Move the positive cable aside without letting it touch body metal.

Step 4: Remove the Battery Hold-Down

  • Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the two hold-down fasteners evenly.
  • Unhook the hold-down rods and remove the upper retaining bracket.
  • Use shop towels to place the fasteners and bracket together so they are not lost.

Step 5: Remove the Old Battery

  • Secure the battery carrier strap around the battery according to the strap instructions.
  • Use the battery carrier strap to lift the battery straight upward and out of the engine compartment.
  • Keep the battery upright and place it on a stable surface.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back.

Step 6: Inspect and Clean the Tray and Terminals

  • Use shop towels to clean dirt from the battery tray and inspect it for cracks or heavy corrosion.
  • Use the battery terminal cleaning brush to clean corrosion from the inside of both cable clamps.
  • Use shop towels to remove all loosened residue before installing the new battery.
  • Replace a cracked tray or damaged cable terminal before continuing.

Step 7: Install the New Battery

  • Use the battery carrier strap to lower the Group 24F battery squarely into the tray.
  • Position it with the positive terminal on the passenger side and the negative terminal on the driver side.
  • Make sure the battery sits flat and does not trap either cable underneath it.

Step 8: Reinstall the Hold-Down Bracket

  • Use gloved hands to position the retaining bracket across the battery and engage both hold-down rods.
  • Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to tighten the fasteners evenly until the battery cannot move.
  • Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten each hold-down fastener to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
  • Do not overtighten; excessive force can distort or crack the battery case.

Step 9: Connect the Positive Terminal

  • Place the positive clamp fully down over the positive battery post.
  • Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten the clamp nut to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
  • Use gloved hands to close the red positive-terminal cover.

Step 10: Connect the Negative Terminal

  • Place the negative clamp fully down over the negative battery post.
  • Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten the clamp nut to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
  • Use gloved hands to check both clamps; neither should rotate by hand.

Step 11: Protect and Inspect the Connections

  • Use battery terminal protector spray to apply a light coating to the outside of both connected terminal clamps.
  • Use shop towels to wipe away overspray without placing a towel across both terminals.
  • Use the battery carrier strap to return the old battery upright to a retailer or recycling facility; do not place it in household trash.

โœ… After Repair

  • โœ… Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally and the charging-system warning light turns off.
  • ๐Ÿ” Switch the engine off and check that the battery and both terminal clamps remain secure.
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Reset the clock and restore saved radio presets as needed.
  • ๐ŸชŸ If an automatic window loses one-touch operation, close it fully and hold its switch in the upward position for approximately one second.
  • ๐Ÿšซ No scan-tool battery registration or coding is required for your 4Runner.
  • โ™ป๏ธ Return the old battery for recycling and any available core-charge refund.

๐Ÿ’ฐ DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: โ‚น14,000-โ‚น25,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: โ‚น10,000-โ‚น20,000 (parts only)

You Save: โ‚น4,000-โ‚น5,000 by doing it yourself!

Local pricing varies because Group 24F batteries may be imported. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hours.


๐ŸŽฏ Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

Parts
Tools
2018 Toyota 4Runner
Menu
Videos
Earn