2012–2019 Fiat 500

2012-2019 Fiat 500 - Battery Replacement

By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧 Easy 15–25 minutes $140 DIY

Save $140 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $280

Quick answer: Battery Replacement on a 2012–2019 Fiat 500 is rated Easy and takes about 15–25 minutes. You'll need 4 tools for this job, and parts cost about $140. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$140.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Correct group-size battery	—	$140.00	Amazon
Terminal cleaner Optional	—	$8.00	Amazon
Terminal protectant Optional	—	$7.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Park the car and find the battery on the driver side

Park level, brake set, ignition off. The 12V battery sits low on the driver (right) side of the engine bay under a plastic cover. Check the owner's manual for a radio security code — some 2012–2019 500s demand it after power is lost.

Remove the cover and loosen the hold-down bar

Lift off the battery cover. Back off the single 13mm hold-down bolt across the battery's top with a socket on an extension — just until the bar swings clear. Note the bar's orientation so it goes back the same way.

Disconnect the negative cable first

Loosen the black negative cable's 10mm clamp nut until it slides free; wiggle the cable end off the post and tuck it aside in a shop towel. Negative first — a slipped wrench can't short the positive post once the ground is broken.

Disconnect the positive cable and lift the battery out

Pull the red cover off the positive terminal, loosen its 10mm clamp nut, and ease the cable off the post; fold it clear of the negative cable. Lift the battery up and slightly forward out of the tray. Set it upright where it can't tip.

Clean the tray, clamps, and the ground strap

Brush any grit and white corrosion powder out of the battery tray and check that it is dry. Loosen its bolt, scrub the strap end and the body contact point until the metal shines, and reattach it firmly.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

I've seen a 500 towed in for a 'dead starter' that was just this ground strap green with corrosion. If yours cranks slow or clicks with a good battery, clean that strap before you buy anything.

Install the new battery and refit the hold-down

Lower the new battery in the same orientation, positive post under the positive cable. Swing the hold-down bar back and snug its 13mm bolt until the battery can't be wiggled by hand — a loose battery hammers its terminals on every pothole.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

I've learned: that hold-down bolt threads into soft metal, so snug it firmly but don't lean on it. Strip it and the battery rattles on every pothole, which kills terminals fast.

Reconnect positive first, then negative, and verify

Slide the positive cable onto its post and tighten the 10mm nut, then do the same with the negative cable — positive first, negative last, every time. Start the car and check that it cranks strongly and that the lights, blower, and gauges work.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Disconnecting the battery without first checking the owner’s manual for a radio security code — some 500s lock the radio until the code is entered.
• Skipping the copper ground strap under the tray — it corrodes invisibly and causes mysterious no-starts that a new battery alone will not fix.
• Overtightening the 10mm terminal nuts — the small posts can crack or deform, and a cracked post will never clamp tightly again.

Tools You'll Need

10mm socket 13mm socket Extension bar 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive ratchets Wire brush or terminal cleaner Dielectric grease or petroleum jelly Shop towel Safety glasses Mechanic’s gloves

Related Trouble Codes

P0562 System Voltage Low

Torque Specifications

Critical specs — don't skip these!

Bolt	Nm	ft-lbs
Battery hold-down	11	8

Important: Use a calibrated torque wrench. Over-tightening can strip threads. Under-tightening can loosen parts.

⚠️ Safety First!

• Wear safety glasses and gloves — battery acid causes burns and eye damage.
• Keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from the battery; hydrogen gas is explosive.
• Disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last.
• Take off rings and metal jewelry that could bridge the terminals.
• Lift with your legs and keep the battery upright at all times.
• Recycle the old battery — do not throw it in household trash.