Do you have a 7th or 8th generation Honda Accord from years 2003-2013 with the 4-cylinder engine? Does its small anemic battery only last for 2 years or less like mine did or struggle to start in cold weather?
Here is the detailed yet simple procedure for upgrading its undersized group 51R battery to the larger group 35 size that comes in the 6-cylinder cars. It requires some upgraded hardware but is relative inexpensive for the vastly improved capacity and longevity that comes with the larger battery. Avoiding even one premature battery replacement easily pays for the necessary hardware not to mention the associated frustration and inconvenience.
Here are the upgrade parts that I used:
31521-SDB-A00 Box, Battery
31531-SDB-A00 Cover, Battery
31512-SDB-A01 Plate, Battery Setting
31513-SP0-010 J-Bolt, Battery Setting (2 required)
32600-SDB-A00 Cable Assy., Battery Ground
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Great Video, very detailed and thorough explanation, I am only confused about one thing: the J pegs (J pins) I installed them facing out , meaning the " J" the hook part of the J is facing away from the battery is that okay ? is that how it is suppose to be ?
So strange why those older accords can't handle that battery. I have that same one from Walmart in my 2012 Accord and it lasted me all 5 years without an issue. Just replaced now again with the same one.
real talk I lived in new jersey for over 10 years and I have a 2009 Honda accord ex 2.4 and when I purchased the car certified used at the dealership they had a v6 Acura battery in it. Well when it kicked the bucket I purchased a Walmart battery just like that 51-R well exactly 1 year and two weeks after the warranty it died the new jersey weather killed it now i have the 35-N in the car from Walmart same specs as the one in this video I never had a problem over 250k on my car and it still runs new like a dream!! this was a great video sir it confirmed what i was just telling someone about batteries i googled it and your video came up. 2022 october 16
That old 51R is still under warranty. My wife's car battery was already out of warranty so I upgraded. Her car is a 2013 accord.
PART NUMBERS ARE INCORRECT for I believe 2008 onward. They are definitely incorrect for 2013.
Based on the video, I bought a Group 35 battery and ordered the parts… the specified tray does not fit. Since I had already purchased and temporarily installed the battery, I forged ahead.
I had to trim off large chunks of the left vertical part of the battery tray, and remove the two bumps on the bottom that are supposed to drop into the metal frame below it. I put some rubber tape between the tray and the bracket to give it some friction. I was able to install the cover, and the bracket, though my longest J-bolt still barely reached on the front side of the battery, and does not line up with a hole for positive engagement. I slipped it over the edge of the metal battery tray bracket.
End result was ok, but the whole point in spending close to $100 in parts was to get "perfect".
Subsequent investigation I found that for the 2013 model, the V6 uses a Group 24F battery, not a Group 35. It is possible that the parts for the 2013 V6 would have worked but I have not tried.
TLDR; Check part numbers for the V6 model in your specific year before attempting.
Excellent video and idea. My TSX has suffered with starting issues for too long even though I've replaced the starter. So I'm thinking of trying this in my '04 TSX since the 4-cyl engines are similar. But I don't know if the battery box (tray) will have the same clearance as the USDM Accords. Anyone ever try this mod on a TSX?
Hey all… Quick question… I have a 2013 Honda Accord LX. We have had it for 6 years and have had to change out the battery I think 3 times? Maybe 4? Is this just kinda normal because of the smaller battery that Honda put in these? Or is there some other kinda problem with my car perhaps? What yall think? Thanks!
this is the exact video i needed, thanks for the details!!!!
Thanks for another really clear and informative video; a failed battery on my 2005 Accord set the alarm off which then required recoding of the alarm! I don't know if my local small independent garage fitted a bigger battery, but they did fit a Bosch one. In my experience of other cars and this one, they are well worth the extra expense. Even leaving the car undriven for three weeks in January, it starts first time. But then we don't have much freezing weather in the UK, but we do drive around with headlights on, heated seats, rear screen demist, GPS plugged in, etc. Michael
I have a 2009 Honda CRV with that same small 51R battery. I have had to replace the battery about every 3 years since I have bought that car new. I wonder if there is a similar upgrade for a CRV?
Why though..
Can this be done in a 2018 crv 1.5?
I thought the 8th gens already have the group 35 battery.
is it the same for a 2004 honda accord?
Great video. I am going to do this now that my battery is starting to wear out.
Upgrade worked great on my 2007 Accord 4cyl. All parts recommended fit perfectly. Can’t wait for an early morning start up in Mammoth Lakes. Thanks
Or….you could go with a Odyssey pc680 (agm) motorcycle/atv battery. Theres room for 2 but i only use 1. Can be used with up to 8.0L engines. Used to save weight for racing and or space with custom installs.
** if ya can prevent an agm or regular lead acid battery from sulphating, you can greatly prolong its life. Wire a trickle charger up to your vehicle battery and plug in every night if possible. Hardwire with ring terminals or simply secure aligator clips works fine. Just make sure nothing will short them.out.
Is the new battery cable compatible with a 2013 Accord?
smart video
Excellent good job
OEM anything is staggering!..how much did all those "Plastic" parts cost…a few hundred?..nice video thanks!
You can fit bigger 24F battery without spending any additional money or parts! A quality brand battery will usually last 3-4 years. Everstart maxx Walmart batteries are cheaper quality budget batteries and may not last. Then again I think we are being sold cheaper quality batteries nowadays and they are junk and not holding up..