Q: How Should I Disconnect the Battery on My Dodge Avenger?
A: Some systems on the vehicle require battery power to be available at all times, either to maintain continuous operation or to maintain control unit memory. When the battery is disconnected, the power that maintains these systems is cut. It is a wise precaution to remove the key from the ignition and keep it with you before disconnecting the battery, especially on a vehicle with power door locks, to prevent the key from getting locked inside if the power door locks engage accidentally when the battery is reconnected. To avoid these problems, memory-savers can be used. These devices, typically plugged into the cigarette lighter and connected to a spare battery, provide sufficient current to maintain audio unit security codes, PCM memory, and power to always hot circuits such as the clock and radio memory circuits. The battery location and disconnection process differ between 2014 and earlier models and 2015 and later models. In 2014 and earlier models, the battery is mounted behind the lower front portion of the left front fender, and the remote positive and negative terminals are located in the engine compartment at the left strut tower. To disconnect the battery, loosen the cable end nut of the remote negative terminal, disconnect the cable from the remote ground terminal, attach the plastic insulator portion of the cable to the stud, and reinstall the nut. In 2015 and later models, the battery is located in the engine compartment, and the battery cables are accessible after opening the hood. To disconnect the battery, first disconnect the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) electrical connector from the negative cable (if equipped), then loosen the negative battery cable clamp nut, lift the cable off the negative terminal, and secure it aside to prevent accidental reconnection. It is important to note that whenever the battery is disconnected on 2015 and later models, the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) electrical connector must be disconnected prior to disconnecting the negative cable from the battery post.