Battery replacement

2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU
58,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD
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BENDERGUY
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Son's battery is dead. I have a brand new one but not in his group size, he is afraid to put it in temporarily because he thinks might damage electronics.
Nov 14, 2018 at 3:19 PM
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CARADIODOC
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It must be a 12-volt battery, and the positive and negative cables must be connected correctly. Connecting the cables backward is how a lot of people damage computer modules. The group size refers to what fits in the space provided, that it is not too high to be hit by what is above it, and it mounts properly so it is held down to reduce vibration. The "cold cranking amps, (CCA) rating should be close to that of the old battery, but that is not critical.

Here are some articles that are related:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-battery-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery
Nov 14, 2018 at 3:30 PM
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BENDERGUY
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It is 12 volts a little taller but better CCA's than original, just needs for a week or so. Think that if it fits and does not come close to hood that he could use for a week or so.
Nov 14, 2018 at 3:58 PM
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STEVE W.
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If it fits and works leave it in the car. My policy on my vehicles is to install the largest and highest CCA battery that will fit. The extra power is very handy when the temperatures drop during the winter. Not as easy to do on some newer cars that require the battery fits into a tiny space or if you need to do a battery reset on the vehicle and it does not have the higher CCA rating as a possible number so the charging system can handle it. That 2011 should not have that issue.
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:06 PM
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BENDERGUY
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Thanks for your help.
Nov 14, 2018 at 6:03 PM