I went to start my '03 blob WRX STi last night and think I have a flat battery - starter motor didn't even attempt to turn, but headlamps/dashboard light very dim and made a weird buzzing noise when ignition was on.

Going to attempt changing battery myself, but am a complete novice when it comes to car maintenance. Read the RAC pointers, but is there anything specific to the Impreza I should be wary of? Do I need any tools other than a screwdriver?

Going to buy battery from Halfrauds as they're open late and want my car for Goodwood on Saturday!!

 

A chimp could do it. just disconnect and connect the new one simples.

 

Why would you need a screw driver to change a battery lol.

You need either a spanner or socket set. I think its either a 8 or 10mm.

 

As advised. And with your car you'd better figure out what goes where quickly or you'll be permanently broke!

 

10 mm spanner, or socket.

Be aware that there are more than one lead to each terminal on some models, don't mislay any.

And don't allow tools in contact with the red +ve terminal to come in contact with the car's bodywork, engine etc.

 

Negative off first and back on last.

 

If your buying the battery from halfords why not get them to install it for free you won't need to chisel the nuts off the terminals with your screwdriver, and the battery clamp can be very tricky especially if your not clued up

Get some jump leads and a freind, get it started, drive down yo halfords, they'll do the rest but make sure they put the battery clamp back on when changing over

 

Thanks fellas. I really need to learn some basic mechanics or as someone suggested, it'll start getting pricey!

Update: half day from work as my car is driving the street crazy (alarm going off). No friends with jump leads around (my wife's car has start/stop which I think means jump starting is dodgy), so I need to invest in at least a socket set to disconnect the battery before someone kills me!!

 

Be careful with the rear facing sticker on Odyssey batteries though!



Last night I was driving a mate's Honda Type R and I tried changing gear with his coke bottle.

 

This on many levels, the last thing you want to be doing is using a 10mm spanner/socket wrench as a fuse. Personally to be on the safe side i tend to put a thick cloth/towel over any exposed metal work around the battery when I'm working on it.

Never understood this. If anything it should be last off as it maintains a leakage path for any stored energy (think anything with capacitors in).

 

Last night I was driving a mate's Honda Type R and I tried changing gear with his coke bottle.[/QUOTE]


& what did you think the large stick sticking out the dash was Matt?

" a roof release lever " lol

 

I heard it's the one that makes Vtec kick in.

 

 

I am so smart, S-M-R-T....

Left work early (alarm was going off) and changed battery for a Yuasa 62Ah and it worked. I'm feeling pretty smug about now!

Next job, front diffuser!

Thank you for the pointers - wasn't as scary as I'd envisages.

 

& what did you think the large stick sticking out the dash was Matt?

" a roof release lever " lol[/QUOTE]

I didn't expect the gear stick to be a cup holder that's for sure.

I found 2nd fine but going to 3rd I pushed his bottle forward.

 

Safety.

 

How?