Quick answer: Battery Replacement on a 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza is rated Easy and takes about 30 minutes. You'll need 5 tools for this job, and parts cost about $168. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| 12V Car Battery |
— |
$150.00 |
|
| Battery Terminal Cleaner |
— |
$10.00 |
|
| Battery Terminal Protector Spray |
— |
$8.00 |
|
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
1
Prepare (Group 35, TSB torques!)
OE CCA 530; AGM upgrade 620-720 CCA acceptable. The FACTORY TORQUES (Subaru TSB 07-219-23R) are the defining detail: positive 6 N·m (53 in-lbs), negative 7.5 N·m (66 in-lbs), holding-rod nuts 3.5 N·m (31 in-lbs). After install: ignition ON 10+ seconds BEFORE first start.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I'm Tom Becker. Those terminal torques are tiny — 6 and 7.5 N·m — and I have watched people crank terminals like lug nuts and split the clamp. Use a torque wrench and stop when it clicks; a cracked clamp gives intermittent no-starts for months.
2
Disconnect, Remove Holding Rods
Disconnect NEGATIVE first, then positive. Remove the rod nuts (3.5 N·m on reinstall). If the rear rod is corroded, the TSB's updated part is 82161SJ000. Lift the old Group 35 out. Note the OE CCA 530 — match or upgrade to AGM.
3
Install New Group 35 (3.5 N·m!)
Place the new Group 35 battery in the tray. Install the front + rear holding rods. Torque the rod nuts to 3.5 N·m (31 in-lbs) — TSB value. The 3.5 N·m is light — don't over-tighten the rods.
4
Reconnect (6 + 7.5 N·m!)
Reconnect POSITIVE first, then negative. Torque: positive 6 N·m (53 in-lbs), negative 7.5 N·m (66 in-lbs) — TSB 07-219-23R factory values. If the battery sensor was disconnected, torque it to 7.5 N·m while supporting the sensor.
5
Ignition ON 10s, Then Start
Turn ignition ON and wait 10+ seconds BEFORE starting — the electronic throttle performs its initial diagnosis. Then start the engine. But: radio presets may clear, and the transmission re-learns your driving style. The 10-second ignition wait is the critical post-install step.
6
Verify, Done
Verify normal operation. If the radio asks for a code, check the owner's manual booklet. The transmission's re-learn is normal — drive and it adapts. The TSB 07-219-23R is the authority — the torques are factory, not generic.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not disconnecting the negative terminal first, which can cause sparks
- • Touching metal parts with the wrench while loosening the positive terminal, leading to short circuits
- • Forgetting to secure the new battery properly, causing it to shift during driving
