Ford Transit Battery Location (With Photos & Video)
Updated: May 29
The Ford Transit, a renowned commercial van that has been in production since 1965, is widely recognized for its durability and reliability.
However, like any vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running smoothly.
One crucial aspect of maintaining your Ford Transit is taking care of the battery. It is important to know the battery's location, how to access it, and how to jump-start it if needed.
Due to safety reasons, the battery location in a Ford Transit can be somewhat challenging to locate compared to many other vehicles. Unlike the conventional placement under the hood/bonnet, the battery is actually situated beneath the driver's seat.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed instructions on locating the battery in a Ford Transit, replacing it, determining the appropriate size and voltage, estimating its lifespan, and jump-starting the van if necessary.
Table of Contents:
Battery Location
Unlike many other vehicles where the battery is located under the hood, the Ford Transit's battery is situated beneath the driver's seat due to safety considerations.
This placement might be slightly challenging to access, as it requires removing the seat and flooring.
Locating the Battery
Follow the steps listed below to locate the battery in a Ford Transit.
Fully recline the driver's seat to access the battery.
Find the two plastic screw covers on each side of the seat's front foundation. Press them inward to remove the covers and reveal the rail stop bolt.
Use a T-40 torque bit to unscrew the bolts.
Raise the armrest of the seat.
Remove the bolt stops to advance the seat entirely.
Now, you can see the battery box. On the side facing you, locate two plastic tabs and pull them up to remove the cover.
Underneath, you will find the back battery cover. Loosen the two topside bolts and set the cover aside. Inside, you will see two joined electrical cables. Before removing them, unfasten the metal bar on top of the casing.
Remove the battery cover manually, exposing the negative battery wire.
Once the panel is removed, unscrew the pole clamp bolts and detach the cable from the battery.
Unclip the front tab on the side with the negative battery wire to release the cover completely.
You will now have a clear view of the entire battery.
These steps generally apply to all models of Ford vans, including the Transit Custom and Transit Connect.
Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery in a Ford Transit is a relatively simple process. Follow the steps mentioned earlier to locate the battery.
Once you have found it, remove the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable.
Carefully take out the old battery from the compartment and install the new battery. Make sure to securely connect the positive cable first, and then connect the negative cable.
Battery Size
The Ford Transit van requires an H6 battery, also known as a group 48 battery.
This rectangular-shaped battery typically measures around 11 inches in length, 7.5 inches in height, and approximately 7 inches in width. It weighs around 54 lbs (24.5 kg).
Ford Transit Battery Price
Ford Transit batteries are widely available, and their prices range from approximately $120 to $350 (£90-£280) depending on the seller and your location.
Battery Voltage
The Ford Transit utilizes a 12-volt AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. AGM batteries are a type of lead-acid battery known for their exceptional performance and long lifespan.
They are a popular choice for various vehicles.
Battery Lifespan
The lifespan of a Ford Transit battery can vary depending on several factors, such as the following.
extreme temperatures (very cold and hot climates)
frequent temperature changes
short trips
long periods of inactivity
exposure to vibrations
high power draw from the battery
Under normal use, a Ford Transit battery can last an average of 4-5 years. However, it is essential to regularly monitor the battery's performance and have it tested to ensure it is functioning optimally.
Jump-Starting the Ford Transit
If your Ford Transit battery is dead and needs to be jump-started, the process is relatively straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide.
Open the Ford Transit battery jump box, which is located on the driver's side of the engine. Inside the jump box, you will find a small red access box. Carefully open the red box to reveal the positive battery post.
Attach the positive (red) clamp of the jumper cables (see recommended jumper cables) to the positive battery terminal in the jump box.
Find the "ground" inside the driver's side fender. This is a long bolt with a tightly fastened nut at the base. Connect the negative (black) clamp of the jumper cables to this bolt.
Start the vehicle with the working battery that will be used to jump-start the Ford Transit. Let it run for about five minutes.
Start the Ford Transit after that and let it run for at least 20 minutes. This will allow the battery to recharge fully.
It is important to note that if the battery is completely dead, the jump-starting process may not be successful, and you may need to consider replacing the battery.
Frequent jump-starting can also indicate a failing battery that should be replaced.
Connecting Jump Leads to Ford Transit Battery
To connect jump leads to the Ford Transit battery, you will need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery. Follow the steps listed below.
Locate the batteries of both vehicles being used for the jump-start.
Identify the positive and negative terminals on the Ford Transit battery. The positive terminal usually has a "+" sign, while the negative terminal has a "-" sign.
Attach the red clamp of the jumper cables to the positive terminal of the Ford Transit battery.
Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working vehicle's battery.
Attach the black clamp of the jumper cables to the negative terminal of the working vehicle's battery.
Attach the other black clamp to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the Ford Transit, such as a bolt or the engine mount.
Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
Try starting the Ford Transit. If the battery is not completely dead, the engine should start.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ford Transit's battery is located under the driver's seat, requiring some effort to access. However, with the provided instructions, finding and replacing the battery should not be a challenging task.
The Ford Transit requires an H6 battery (group 48), which is readily available within a price range of approximately $120 to $350 (£90-£280).
It operates on a 12-volt AGM battery known for its high performance and longevity.
Remember to maintain regular checks on your battery's performance and seek professional assistance when needed to ensure a well-functioning and reliable Ford Transit.
