Chevrolet Altima Battery Size and Replacement

Looking up the right battery size for a Chevrolet Altima is one of those tasks that sounds simple until you're standing in an auto parts store staring at a wall of batteries with different group numbers, cold cranking amps, and terminal positions. Getting it wrong means a battery that doesn't fit, doesn't perform, or causes electrical issues. Before we go further, it's worth pointing out that the Altima is actually manufactured by Nissan, not Chevrolet. This is a common mix-up, but the battery specs below are accurate for the Nissan Altima across its popular model years.

What Battery Size Does the Nissan Altima Use?

Most Nissan Altima model years use a Group 35 battery. This is the standard size for the 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines found in Altimas from roughly 2002 through 2018. The Group 35 designation refers to the battery's physical dimensions about 9.06 inches long, 6.88 inches wide, and 8.75 inches tall as well as the terminal layout (positive on the left, negative on the right when facing the battery).

Newer Altima models (2019 and later) with the variable compression turbo engine or the 2.0L turbo may also use Group 35, but some trims with advanced start-stop technology require an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery instead of a traditional flooded lead-acid type. Always check your owner's manual or the label on your existing battery before buying a replacement.

Quick Battery Specs by Altima Generation

2002–2006 Altima: Group 35, 12V, 640–700 CCA (cold cranking amps)
2007–2012 Altima: Group 35, 12V, 640–720 CCA
2013–2018 Altima: Group 35, 12V, 640–750 CCA
2019–present Altima: Group 35, 12V, AGM recommended for select trims, 650–760 CCA

Cold cranking amps matter more than most people think. If you live in a region with harsh winters, aim for the higher end of the CCA range. A battery with too few CCA will struggle to start the engine on cold mornings.

How Do I Know My Altima Battery Needs Replacing?

Car batteries typically last 3 to 5 years, though heat, short trips, and electrical accessories can shorten that lifespan. Here are the most common signs your Altima's battery is on its way out:

Slow engine crank: The starter motor sounds sluggish or labored when you turn the key.
Dim headlights: Lights appear noticeably weaker, especially at idle.
Dashboard warning light: The battery or charging system light turns on.
Swollen or bloated battery case: This indicates heat damage and means the battery should be replaced immediately.
Corroded terminals: White or blue-green buildup on the battery posts can signal a failing battery or a charging system issue.
Electrical issues: Power windows move slowly, the radio resets, or the clock loses time.

If your battery is over four years old and you're noticing any of these symptoms, it's smart to get it tested at an auto parts store most do this for free before it leaves you stranded.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Altima Battery?

A replacement battery for a Nissan Altima typically costs between $100 and $250, depending on the brand, CCA rating, and whether you choose a standard flooded battery or an AGM type. Premium brands like Optima or Interstate tend to sit at the higher end, while store brands from AutoZone, Walmart, or Costco offer solid budget-friendly options.

If you're hiring a mechanic for the install, expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 for labor. For a detailed breakdown specific to the 2005 model, you can check out the cost to replace the battery in a 2005 Altima with the installation guide.

Can I Replace the Altima Battery Myself?

Yes, and most Altima owners do. The battery sits under the hood in an accessible spot, and the swap takes about 15 to 25 minutes with basic tools. You'll need a 10mm wrench or socket to loosen the terminal clamps and the battery hold-down bracket.

Basic Steps for Battery Replacement

Turn off the engine and make sure the car is in park with the parking brake set.
Open the hood and locate the battery on the driver's side.
Disconnect the negative (–) terminal first using a 10mm wrench.
Disconnect the positive (+) terminal second.
Remove the battery hold-down bracket (usually a J-bolt or clamp at the base).
Lift the old battery out carefully they weigh 35 to 45 pounds.
Place the new Group 35 battery in the tray, making sure the terminals are oriented correctly.
Reconnect the positive (+) terminal first, then the negative (–) terminal.
Secure the hold-down bracket.
Start the engine to confirm everything works.

For a more detailed walkthrough with photos, see this step-by-step battery installation guide for the 2005 Altima.

What Are the Most Common Battery Replacement Mistakes?

Replacing a car battery seems straightforward, but people still make avoidable errors:

Connecting terminals in the wrong order: Always disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last. Doing it backward can cause sparks or short circuits.
Buying the wrong group size: A Group 24F or Group 48 battery will not fit the Altima tray properly, even if the voltage matches.
Ignoring the hold-down bracket: A loose battery can shift during driving, damaging the terminals and cables over time.
Forgetting to reset electronics: After battery replacement, you may need to reset the clock, radio presets, and in some model years, the power windows (roll them up and down fully to recalibrate).
Not checking the alternator: If your new battery dies quickly, the alternator or a parasitic drain could be the real problem, not the battery itself.

Do I Need an AGM or Standard Flooded Battery?

For most Altima model years, a standard flooded lead-acid battery works perfectly fine. AGM batteries cost more ($150 to $250 vs. $100 to $170 for flooded) but offer better vibration resistance, longer life, and faster recharging. If your Altima has start-stop technology (common on 2019+ models), the manufacturer may require an AGM battery to handle the repeated engine restarts.

If you drive mostly short distances, park in extreme heat, or use a lot of aftermarket electronics (subwoofers, dash cameras, phone chargers), an AGM battery is worth the extra investment.

What Happens If I Install the Wrong Battery Size?

Using the wrong battery group size in your Altima can lead to several problems:

Physical fit issues: The battery may not sit securely in the tray, or it may be too tall and contact the hood.
Terminal polarity mismatch: Some group sizes have reversed terminal positions, which can cause dangerous reverse polarity connections.
Underperformance: A battery with too few CCA won't start the engine reliably in cold weather.
Electrical damage: In rare cases, incorrect voltage or amperage can harm the car's ECU or other electronics.

When in doubt, match the group number printed on your current battery or look it up in the owner's manual. You can also find a full overview of fitment details in the Altima battery size and replacement guide.

How Can I Make My Altima Battery Last Longer?

A few habits can push your battery closer to the five-year mark instead of the three-year mark:

Drive regularly: Short trips don't give the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery. Take a 20-minute highway drive at least once a week.
Clean the terminals: Corrosion buildup acts as an insulator and weakens the connection. A mixture of baking soda and water with a wire brush does the trick.
Tighten the hold-down: Vibration from a loose battery damages internal plates over time.
Turn off accessories before shutting off the engine: Leaving headlights, the radio, or the AC running when you start the car puts extra strain on the battery.
Test it annually: After the two-year mark, have the battery load-tested once a year to catch problems early.

Battery Replacement Checklist for Your Altima

Confirm your Altima's model year and engine size
Verify the battery group size (Group 35 for most years)
Decide between standard flooded and AGM based on your driving habits and model requirements
Choose a battery with adequate CCA for your climate (at least 640 CCA, higher for cold regions)
Gather a 10mm wrench, gloves, and safety glasses before starting
Disconnect negative terminal first, reconnect it last
Reset the clock, radio, and power windows after installation
Keep your old battery's receipt most come with a 2- to 3-year free replacement warranty
Recycle the old battery at the parts store (most give you a $10–$20 credit for bringing it back)

Getting the right battery for your Altima doesn't require any special knowledge just the correct group number, the right CCA rating, and about 20 minutes of your time. Match the specs to your model year, follow the proper disconnect sequence, and you'll have a car that starts reliably every morning.