Yet another Axis/Vegas chassis battery issues/replacement thread

[ElectricZ]

Hi all, I was doing my yearly maintenance (oil change, battery fluid check) and found the chassis battery for my 2018 Axis is showing liquid on top and corrosion on the positive terminal. Dr. Google says this is a sign my battery is getting overcharged, possibly because of a bad alternator or voltage regulator. Any other Axis/E450 owners have any experience? Is there any other likely explanation?

I was thinking the battery might just be going bad because it's near the end of its 36 month life according to the sticker, so I was looking to replace it with an AGM. But I do want to make sure that I'm not going to end up with the same overcharge issue with a new battery.

Regardless, this would be my first Axis chassis battery attempt and I've read up on the fun to be had there. Fortunately the previous owner did the work of cutting through the dash and putting in a hinged door, but I'm baffled on how to actually get the damn thing out.

I read there's a locking nut that keeps the battery in place. Any advice on how that whole thing works? I looked for videos on youtube but found none.

I found a very tall, thin bolt but I can't see down far enough to see how it's connected. Is this the battery release? If I undo it, how much of a pain is it to get back in? Is there a nut at the end which will drop through the engine?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ducksface]

It's an 8 or 10 mm bolt dead cent if the drivers side if the battery up against a metal frame.
I have posted pictures of it somewhere here on the forum if someone can find them for you.
If not I'll get you a new picture tomorrow(if you pm me to remind Me) because it's 100yards from here and raining heavily now.
If the battery has a handle you're in luck. If not you'll need a battery strap handle.
Undo the holding bolt
Undo the cables and secure them out of your way
Grab the handle
Tip the battery towards you as you lift 45+pounds one-handed through that hatch.
If you can't do that lift don't attempt.

 

[ElectricZ]

It's an 8 or 10 mm bolt dead cent if the drivers side if the battery up against a metal frame.
I have posted pictures of it somewhere here on the forum if someone can find them for you.
If not I'll get you a new picture tomorrow(if you pm me to remind Me) because it's 100yards from here and raining heavily now.
If the battery has a handle you're in luck. If not you'll need a battery strap handle.
Undo the holding bolt
Undo the cables and secure them out of your way
Grab the handle
Tip the battery towards you as you lift 45+pounds one-handed through that hatch.
If you can't do that lift don't attempt.

Thanks, Duck. That bolt was the missing piece. I loosened it bit by bit until I could move the battery a little, and it finally slipped out from under the clamp and I could actually see the mechanism that locks it in place. I was worried I'd be able to get it out, but not get it back in if a nut or brace dropped deeper into the compartment, but it was pretty foolproof.

The voltage tested fine from the alternator so I don't think that was the issue. The battery was just at the end of its life and leaking. So, following your steps and with a little sweat and swearing, out with the lead-acid, in with the AGM. No more watering under the dashboard!


Thanks again,

EZ

 

[ducksface]

For everyone else:
This is the bolt, 8mm, and keeper that holds the battery to the battery tray. This is a socket and fine toothed ratchet thing, not a wrench thing.

The picture is of the factory battery tray and the factory bolt and factory keeper wedge.

This view is as if you were your v10 axis' engine looking to the passenger side.

The picture is of my new battery placement NOT under your hood.
Your under hood battery will not have the same view.
You'll be feeling for the bolt head. You'll likely not be seeing the bolt head.

The tools on top of the battery are the tools needed to remove the battery. I had spares that have become a kit. The tools live there as a ziptied group.

This odyssey is my battery choice for all of my vehicles.
They're like the 1990's optima battery in quality.

 

[SGilbert]

When I replaced mine, there was no hold down. The battery tray is deep enough that I'm not at all worried that it will 'bounce' out.

 

[ducksface]

As above, I do not have them on any vehicle I've swapped batteries on.
I put this one on for demo pictures only and haven't bothered to remove it. This is maybe the fifth time I've posted a picture of it on the forum.

You all decide what's what.

 

[SGilbert]

The OP may want to also install remote battery terminals behind the grill as I have done. Cheap insurance if you ever need to jump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C1NKCLTR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[ducksface]

I have the jumper in the same spot as shown above.