It's a pain in the butt for sure, but to access the battery you need to go in from behind the drivers seat. There is a long black plastic kick panel that covers up the bottom rear of the front bench seat, it goes all the way across the bench and I believe it's held in place with bolts. Once you get the panel off you should be able to see the battery. If memory serves there is a metal hold down bar that unbolts from the top, and then it's a matter of getting the terminals unhooked and weaseling the battery out from the back of the seat frame near the floor. Once you get that plastic kick panel off it should be a lot more clear. I'm actually out of town right now or I'd go double check for you, but I hope that's at least a little helpful.

@@AllThingsMech That really helps! Thank you! Strangest setup ever!

@@jp3eku not a problem, hope you get it sorted out. And yes, it's a remarkably odd setup, especially from a Japanese manufacturer (who typically rely on very simplistic designs). If you need anything else feel free to ask, happy to help.

That wasn't really an issue in this case. Did the shop check the CVT clutches and belt? If the belt is worn out or the pulleys can't move their full range of travel it can feel like you're down on power. Everything in there needs to be able to move freely.

@@AllThingsMech thanks for the answer they did not check any of that they just said it needed the oil changed more often because it was sludgy in the engine I thought maybe the injectors were going bad because of all the black smoke I look like an old freight train going down the highway

@haroldwilkerson2026 it's possible you're having a fuel issue then, or theres just a bunch of gunk in there that needs cleaned out. Ours always smoked a little under load but never like what you're describing. These engines are notorious for having poor cooling, so regular oil changes are really important, and synthetic oil is a good idea too. If it were me, I would drive it until it's good and hot, then dump a can of Seafoam or Berryman B12 in the crankcase and then let it idle for about 15-20 minutes to break up some of the sludge. Then shut her down, drain the oil, change the oil filter and let it sit overnight with the drain plug out to let as much stuff drip out as possible. Refill with Rotella T6 5w40 diesel oil - it's great stuff and relatively cheap for a full synthetic, and it will help prevent sludge from building up. I'd also dump another can of Seafoam or B12 into the fuel tank as well, and let it clean up the injectors a little as you drive it.