I've done some searching and, apparently, nobody but me has experienced a problem but...
I've got a 2003 Sedan and I'm replacing the battery. After removing the cover and all the plastic sheeting around that area, it doesn't look like I'll be able to pull the battery out. There's a fuse box or something right in front of it that is blocking its egress. It's blocked by this box in front and the plastic covering the wiper assembly in the back.

Has anyone done this on a 2003? Is that box a problem and needs to be removed, or am I eye-ing this up improperly and it'll pull right out no prob? It sure looks too tight now

 

I'm doing this from memory since I replaced mine last year. But I dont think that piece you are talking about needed to be removed. I seem to recall that piece having some play. You will have to unscrew/unhook the brackets holding it down.

 

yeah there's a fuse box on the firewall. What a bad place for one! Anyway when I replaced my battery for the Optima, it was a pain.

Take the battery cover off and the flat panel that surrounds it. Then take off the brackets that hold the battery down. That should be all you need to do.

I highly recommend you getting one of those battery lifting straps so you can lift it out easy. I had to lift it by my fingers and ugh. Same with putting it back in. It's hard not to drop it.

Maybe you have an aftermarket that's larger then it's supposed to be?

 

Great! Thanks so much for the info and advice. Optima - here I come!

 

Optima thread:

https://g35driver.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=optima

 

I changed mine to a 34R and didn't have any problems. It came right out.