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My 2001 Honda Civic EX is on its last legs.....and I need a new battery (sluggish, churning start). I cleaned up the contacts and topped off the cells but no improvement. Anyways......I don't feel like shelling out $100+ for a battery for this car. Someone is selling a used group size 51R battery on craigslist for $20...... that should work shouldn't it?

 
Rep Power: 243

No, R means reversed terminals.

And if you flip it the hood prop hits it.

 
Rep Power: 518

Basically, the Interstate site says that civic should have a group 51 battery.
The 51R has the posts reversed, so you either have to drop the battery in backwards, or make the cables stretch.

Will the battery cables connect to their correct posts?
Will the hood close without hitting the positive cable end?
Will the hood prop rod hit the positive post? <---(I've seen this at some point)


Is that battery even any good? How can YOU tell?



http://www.interstatedealers.com/IBCatalog/common/
Home > Automotive > Honda > Civic, Civic Wagovan > 2005-01 > L4/1.7L > Standard Batteries

 
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This answers the question I was going to post. I guess the search function DOES work


I just bought a 2001 LX Sedan for my daughter and the prop rod rides on top of the positive battery terminal. Does not look safe to me. I guess then that the only solution is to purchase the correct battery.


Does COSTCO or Sam's Club carry the reversed terminal battery, or do I have to buy one from Honda?


Mike

 
Rep Power: 308

^^^Check your application for correct fit.

Certainly available at about any auto parts store.

 
Rep Power: 243

Getting the correct battery is the only solution I see.

Like Craig said any parts store should carry the correct battery.

 
Rep Power: 518

Any battery retailer......that hires employees with working brain cells.

(WALMART, I'm looking at you!)

Not all are smart enough to understand that a prop rod laying on the positive post could be an issue, and not all are smart enough to figure out an acceptable solution.

 
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After they rip the red plastic cover off to make more room.

 
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YES! Whoever installed the battery took the protective cover off of the positive end (and apparently threw it out). I have to buy another after I have fixed this.


I stopped at COSTCO and they did not have the correct battery. They carry the Interstate 51R and the terminals are in the wrong position on that battery. The fitment guide says 51 (without the "R"), but they do not carry that battery.


I will look at Wal-Mart tomorrow and get back to you.


Mike