. . . with putting the battery in the trunk, for me, is that I have to (a) find a way to prop up the trunk floor mat while I work on the battery, and (b) spend a long time in an awkward, bent-over position.

But I agree that putting it back there isolates it from engine compartment heat, and probably helps with the weight distribution, as you all pointed out. It's just that it's easy to forget it when it's out of sight back there.

Looks like I should just use a quarter to open the cell cap -- maybe clamp it in a pair of locking pliers -- turn each one until it's loose, and remove it with my rubber-gloved fingers. I have a little squeeze bottle with a narrow spout I can use to administer the distilled water.

Thanks to all for helping with what must have seemed a silly question,

__________________
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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino