I'm starting to plan the battery replacement on my 2006 RL. Bought used, no manuals or radio/navi codes.

Have you ever used one of those external battery devices that you plug into the 12V (cigarette lighter) socket to keep the electronics alive during the battery change ? I expect it would take some extra care to keep the main battery cables insulated or from touching anything during the change out.

 

I have successfully taken the battery out three times without a need for codes, but you will need an extra battery other than the new one. Another car is perfect.

Place jumpers on your terminals and the other cars terminals. Disconnect the terminals from the old battery keeping the jumpers in contact at all times. Swap the battery and reconnect the terminals to the new battery.

If you need to, a dealer can look up the codes with the VIN. It is nice to know in any case. You may be given a bad battery that will randomly die sooner than can be predicted.

 

I think I found the codes, inside lid of the engine fuse box on a sticker
a short number, over a long alpha-numeric string...

But I like the idea of keeping things powered up during the change out

 

hmmm
looks like autozone website lists several batt's that fit except most say:
"Caution: Do not use a memory saver on this vehicle"
what's that all about ?

 

A memory savor is usually a cigarette lighter plug with a 9v plugged into it...

I haven't had to do this with my RL but when I replace batteries I loosen the clamps and hook a jump box to it, when I pull the terminals off I keep the jump box connected and move the terminals to the new battery.

The main thing you want to avoid is a surge through the car and/or shorting out the terminals.

 

When you buy a battery, make sure the top is flat with no protrusions other than the terminals. The positive terminal has a large block with a fuse connected that needs to sit flat on the battery top.

 

heres what you do..

start the vehicle, remove the battery, and install the new one.

 

I see a blown fuse in your future

 

Has anyone done this in an RL? I know there is a 50A fuse connected straight to the battery.

 

as they say: "that's not even wrong"