GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1996 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Battery Replacement

Caution: Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable and may explode violently if ignited by a spark or a flame. Battery acid is extremely corrosive and causes severe personal injury if the acid comes into contact with the skin, and blindness if the acid comes into contact with the eyes. In order to avoid severe personal injury, use extreme caution when servicing the battery or battery-related components.


Object Number: 42429 Size: SH

The maintenance free battery is standard. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed except for two small vent holes in the sides. These vent holes allow the small amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape.

The battery has a "thermal blanket" installed on it. The blanket provides thermal protection to the battery. If the O.E. battery needs to be replaced and the replacement battery does not have the blanket installed, remove the thermal blanket from the O.E. battery and install it on the replacement battery.

  1. The battery has three functions as a major source of energy:
    2. • Engine cranking
    • Voltage stabilizer
    • Alternate source of energy with generator overload
  2. The battery specification label contains information about the following:
    3. • The reserve capacity rating
    • The load test rating
    • The original equipment (O.E.) model number
    • The recommended replacement model number
    • The cold cranking amps (CCA)

Important: 

   • Disconnecting the negative battery cable from the battery is recommended when performing many repair procedures. When this is done certain memory functions are lost, such as radio and clock presets. Devices are available that eliminate the memory loss of the radio and the clock by providing just enough current to keep the memory alive, but not enough to cause a shock or burn hazard if contact is made with a current carrying lead or terminal.
   • A memory saving device can supply enough current to deploy the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) air bag which may cause personal injury or the otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs. Therefore, always reference the appropriate service manual procedure for the vehicle system being serviced. If specifically directed by the service procedure for the component(s) being serviced, disable and enable the SIR system as outlined. Refer to Section 9J.