2019 Honda Passport Battery Replacement — Group 51R, Save $150+ vs. Dealer

Here's how I replaced the battery on my 2019 Honda Passport. The confirmed fitment is a Group 51R battery — note the "R" designation, which specifies a right-side positive terminal. Installing a standard Group 51 (left-side positive) in this vehicle will put the terminals in the wrong position and create a cable-routing problem. Get the 51R. Dealer charges $250–$350 for this service including the battery. I did it in 20 minutes for under $120 in parts, saving $150+.

The Group 51R Terminal Cover Note

Honda uses a red plastic terminal cover on the positive cable connection. It's retained by a small tab — you'll pull it back to expose the positive battery terminal bolt. Don't discard it. When installing the new battery, reconnect the positive cable and replace that cover over the terminal. It's a short-circuit protection measure that a lot of guides skip — don't.

Tools and Parts

• Battery: Group 51R (550+ CCA recommended)
  • Confirmed OEM fitment: Honda 31500-TZ7-AGM1 or equivalent
  • Aftermarket options: Optima RedTop 51R, Interstate MT-51R, DieHard 51R
• 10mm socket and ratchet (battery hold-down bolt and cable terminals)
• Battery terminal puller or flathead screwdriver (to pry terminals if corroded)
• Memory saver (optional — keeps radio presets and ECU adaptations during swap)
• Nitrile gloves, safety glasses

The Memory Saver Question

Disconnecting the battery resets radio presets, power window positions, and ECU fuel trims. The Passport may idle rough for a few minutes after reconnecting while the ECU relearns.

If keeping your radio presets matters, plug a memory saver into the OBD-II port before disconnecting. I personally skip it — the ECU relearns within a few drive cycles, and I prefer a clean reset.

Step-by-Step: 2019 Honda Passport Battery Replacement

Access the Battery

1. Open the hood. The battery is in the driver's side front corner of the engine bay — easy access, no panels to remove.

2. Locate the red positive terminal cover. Pull it back toward you to expose the positive terminal bolt.

Disconnect in the Right Order

3. Always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. Loosen the 10mm bolt on the negative terminal and wiggle the clamp off. Move it aside so it can't accidentally contact the battery.

4. Disconnect the positive (red) cable — loosen the 10mm bolt, wiggle the clamp off, set aside.

Remove the Old Battery

5. Locate the battery hold-down bracket at the base of the battery. Remove the single 10mm bolt and set the bracket aside.

6. Lift the battery straight up and out. These weigh 25–35 lbs — use two hands.

Inspect Before Installing

7. Check the battery tray for corrosion or debris. Wipe clean. If there's white or bluish buildup (battery acid residue), neutralize with baking soda and water, then dry completely.

8. Inspect the cable terminal clamps. If heavily corroded inside, clean with a battery terminal brush before installing.

Install the New Battery

9. Lower the new Group 51R into the tray. Confirm the positive terminal (marked + or red) is on the right side when facing the battery from the front of the car. That's the "R" in 51R.

10. Reinstall the hold-down bracket. Snug the bolt — don't overtighten.

Reconnect in the Right Order

11. Always connect the positive (red) cable first. Seat the clamp over the positive terminal post, tighten the 10mm bolt firmly.

12. Reconnect the negative (black) cable. Tighten firmly.

13. Replace the red plastic terminal cover over the positive terminal. Snap it back into place.

Verify

14. Start the engine. It should start immediately.

15. Reset the clock, radio presets, and power window positions (hold window switch at full-down and full-up for 3 seconds each to re-initialize auto-up/down).

What Group 51R Means — Quick Reference

Spec	Value
BCI Group	51R
Terminal layout	Positive terminal on RIGHT (facing from front)
Minimum CCA	500 (550+ recommended)
Typical dimensions	9.4" L × 5.1" W × 8.8" H

Do not install a Group 51 (non-R) battery in this vehicle — the reversed terminal position creates a short-circuit hazard.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Honda Dealer
Group 51R battery	$90–$130	Included
Labor	$0	$100–$150
Total	$90–$130	$250–$350

Savings: $150–$220 per battery replacement.

For more Honda maintenance guides including cabin filter walkthroughs and brake service, check the OwnerDrop blog. The 2021 Honda CR-V oil change guide is also available if you're maintaining multiple Hondas.

Ready to handle every repair on your Passport? Get the full repair library at OwnerDrop.