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Toyota Hiace Van 1989-2004 factory workshop and repair manual download

Why this repair is needed (short)
- The battery stores electrical energy to start the engine and supply electronics when the alternator can’t (startup, heavy accessory use, off state). Over time the battery’s capacity falls (sulfation, internal corrosion, loss of active material) and it can fail to hold charge or deliver cranking current. Replace when it won’t hold a charge, shows low resting voltage, causes slow cranking, or fails a load test.

Basic theory — how the starting/charging system works (analogy: plumbing)
- Battery = water tank (stores energy).
- Alternator = pump that re-fills the tank while the engine runs.
- Starter motor = big tap that needs a rush of water (high current) to turn the engine.
- Battery cables = pipes delivering the current.
- Voltage regulator/BMS = valve that controls charging to avoid overfill.
If the tank is weak (battery bad), the pump (alternator) can’t start the engine alone. If connections are restricted (corroded cables), flow is reduced and the system performs poorly.

Tools and materials
- New battery (correct group/size, polarity, and minimum CCA for your Hiace — check owner’s manual)
- Protective gloves & safety glasses
- Wrenches/sockets set (commonly 10 mm; other sizes possible)
- Ratchet and extensions
- Terminal puller or large screwdriver (if terminals are stuck)
- Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner
- Battery post cleaner or fine sandpaper
- Baking soda + water (for cleaning acid corrosion)
- Rag shop towels
- Dielectric grease or petroleum jelly
- Anti-corrosion wash or terminal protectors
- Torque wrench (optional; see note)
- Memory saver (optional) — preserves radio/ECU memory (use a proper OBD memory saver)
- Container to catch/clean any spilled fluid, and a tray for the old battery
- Recycling bag/box for old battery

Every component you’ll encounter (what it is and what it does)
- Battery (lead-acid, AGM or flooded): stores electrical energy, has positive (+) and negative (–) posts.
- Positive terminal/clamp (red): feeds starter, ignition, main power distribution. Often marked with + and covered by a red plastic cap.
- Negative terminal/clamp (black): returns current to chassis ground. Connects to engine block/chassis ground strap.
- Hold-down clamp/strap and bolt(s): secures the battery so it doesn’t move.
- Battery tray: supports battery and may have a drain/vent to channel spilled acid.
- Vent tube (some batteries): allows gases to escape safely.
- Battery sensor/BMS (on some modern Toyota models): measures battery current/voltage and reports to ECU; may be integrated into terminal clamp.
- Fusible link/main fuse/EFI fuse: often near the battery on positive cable to protect electrical system.
- Ground strap: heavy cable from negative terminal to chassis or engine block.

Safety first (must-do)
- Park on level ground, engine off, key out. Engage parking brake; chock wheels if needed.
- Remove metal jewelry and watches.
- Work in a well-ventilated area (hydrogen gas can be released).
- Wear gloves and eye protection. Keep sparks/ignition sources away.
- If battery is cracked or leaking acid, handle with great care and neutralize spills with baking soda solution.

Step-by-step replacement (beginner-friendly)
1) Preparation
- Read the owner’s manual to find the correct battery type and location (engine bay or under passenger seat depending on model year).
- Turn off everything electrical (lights, radio). Remove key and lock steering if applicable.
- If you want to preserve radio/ECU memory, connect a proper memory saver to the OBD port or 12V accessory socket now (follow manufacturer instructions).

2) Locate and expose the battery
- Remove any covers or seat cushions that conceal the battery. Note orientation of terminals and any sensor or vent hoses.

3) Identify terminals and fuses
- Locate the positive (+, usually red) and negative (–, usually black). Identify any battery sensor on the negative clamp or inline on the positive cable and note how it’s connected.

4) Disconnect negative first
- Loosen the negative terminal clamp nut and remove the negative cable from the battery. Tuck it away so it cannot touch the battery post or metal (preferably use insulating material or a zip tie).
- Why negative first? Removing negative breaks the circuit to chassis and minimizes short/spark risk when disconnecting positive.

5) Disconnect positive
- Remove the positive cable clamp and any protective cover. If there is a fuse or fusible link bolted to the positive cable, note its position. If the positive cable is attached to a battery sensor, follow the same order and handle sensor carefully.

6) Remove hold-down and lift battery out
- Remove the hold-down bolts and lift the battery straight up. Batteries are heavy (15–30 kg); use correct lifting posture. Place the battery on a stable, non-metallic surface or the recycling container.

7) Clean the tray and terminals
- Inspect tray for corrosion. Clean acid residue with baking-soda/water solution and wipe dry. Remove corrosion on terminal clamps using a wire brush. If terminals are badly corroded, replace clamps or terminals.

8) Prepare the new battery
- Confirm new battery matches size/polarity/CCA. Remove terminal covers. If the new battery has a vent cap, leave as instructed by manufacturer.

9) Install battery and secure
- Place new battery on the tray in the same orientation. Refit hold-down clamp and secure snugly so battery cannot move. Do not over-tighten and crack the case.

10) Reconnect positive first, negative last
- Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive post, tighten clamp snug. Replace any protective covers.
- Connect negative (–) cable to negative post and tighten snug.
- Why this order? Connecting negative last avoids creating a short to chassis while the positive is exposed.

11) Final clean & protection
- Coat terminals with a thin layer of dielectric grease or petroleum jelly to inhibit corrosion. Fit terminal covers and anti-corrosion caps. Reconnect any vent tubes or sensors exactly as removed.

12) Check and start
- If you used a memory saver, remove it now. Start the engine and observe charging voltage: expect roughly 13.8–14.8 V with the engine running. Verify no warning lights remain or, if they do, consult the manual.

Testing the new battery and charging system
- Resting voltage (12+ hours off): ~12.6 V = fully charged; 12.2 V = ~50% charged; <12.0 V = discharged/bad.
- With engine running: alternator voltage 13.8–14.8 V indicates charging.
- Cranking voltage: should not drop below about 9–10 V during cranking on most 12V systems (if it drops much lower, the battery may be weak or cables have high resistance).
- For definitive check, do a load test at an auto parts store or use a battery load tester.

What can go wrong and how to avoid/fix it
- Sparks/shorts at terminal: caused by touching a wrench between positive post and chassis. Avoid by disconnecting negative first and never bridging the positive terminal to chassis.
- Reverse polarity connection: connecting positive to negative will damage electronics and may blow main fuses. Double-check markings, colors, and terminal shapes.
- Loose or corroded connections: lead to poor cranking and charging; clean and tighten properly.
- Damaged battery sensor or unregistered battery: some newer cars have sensors or charging strategy that need a specific replacement procedure or registration. If you see persistent warnings or poor charging, check for a sensor on the clamp and consult a dealer/service manual.
- Over-tightening terminal nuts: can crack battery posts. Tighten until snug; if using torque wrench, consult manual. If unsure, tighten gently but firmly—don’t stomp on it.
- Battery moves because hold-down wasn’t secured: causes vibration damage—always secure battery firmly.
- Acid leaks: neutralize with baking soda and clean; dispose of battery and contaminated materials properly.
- Electronics reset: clocks, presets, radio codes or adaptive systems may reset; you may need to reprogram or drive the vehicle to relearn some parameters.

Disposal/Recycling
- Never throw a battery in household trash. Lead-acid batteries must be recycled. Take the old battery to a recycling center, automotive store, or parts supplier (many will accept old batteries and may give a core refund).

Estimated time and difficulty
- Time: 30–60 minutes for a beginner (longer if battery is under a seat or sensors are present).
- Difficulty: Low to medium — physical lift and attention to safety and correct connections required.

Quick checklist (do it mentally)
- Engine off, key out, park brake on, chock wheels.
- Wear protection; remove jewelry.
- Negative terminal OFF first, positive OFF second.
- Hold-down removed, battery out.
- New battery in same orientation.
- Positive ON first, negative ON last.
- Clean terminals, apply grease, secure hold-down.
- Start engine and verify charging voltage.

That’s the complete beginner-friendly guide: why you replace a Hiace battery, how the system works, descriptions of each component, full safe step-by-step procedure, tests, common failure modes, and disposal. Follow the vehicle’s service manual for any model-specific details (battery location, torque specs, or registration steps) if available.
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