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Revision as of 22:16, 17 December 2012 ddgonzal (Talk | contribs) (->Cable Cleaning) Next diff -> |
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| * Green corroded wires (white corroded can often be cleaned up with a wire brush) | * Green corroded wires (white corroded can often be cleaned up with a wire brush) | ||
| + | |||
| + | This needs cleaning, even though it only has light corrosion: | ||
| + | <br><img size=400>http://scionowners.com/html/images/articles/cleanbatterypost05.jpg</img> | ||
| Cleaning Process: | Cleaning Process: | ||
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| # Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel. | # Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel. | ||
| # Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits | # Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits | ||
| - | # Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny. Alternatively, you can scrape the posts with a flat screwdrive until shiny bare metal is showing all around. | + | # Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny. |
| - | # Use the battery brush on the inside of the cable ends. Or scrape with a knife. | + | #: [http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/sightings/forum/battery_cable_cleaner.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/sightings/forum/th_battery_cable_cleaner.jpg] |
| - | # Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion. | + | #: Alternatively, you can scrape the posts with a flat screwdriver until shiny bare metal is showing all around. |
| + | # Use the battery brush bristles to clean the inside of the cable ends. Or scrape with a knife. | ||
| + | # Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion. | ||
| + | #: | ||
| # Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!) | # Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!) | ||
| # Replace positive cable and tighten to specification | # Replace positive cable and tighten to specification | ||
| # Test for proper car operation, including starting the engine | # Test for proper car operation, including starting the engine | ||
| # Reset the radio presets | # Reset the radio presets | ||
Revision as of 22:16, 17 December 2012
A car Battery needs regular TLC. Once a year, wipe the battery off and carefully clean the battery cables.
Cable Cleaning
The battery cable connections should be cleaned once a year. Clean the battery terminals AND the inside of the battery cables down to bare metal. Coat the shiny metal with a thing coat of grease or battery terminal spray. I use clean motor oil.
The number "my car won't start" problem -- with new cars or old -- is the battery cable connections.
Note: If the positive battery cable is overly corroded, replace it. Reasons to replace it include:
- Corroded bolt, so cable can't be tightened
- Green corroded wires (white corroded can often be cleaned up with a wire brush)
This needs cleaning, even though it only has light corrosion:
Cleaning Process:
- Remove the negative battery cable first so that any accidental touch of the wrench will not cause a spark
- Remove the positive battery cable
- Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel.
- Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits
- Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny.
-
- Alternatively, you can scrape the posts with a flat screwdriver until shiny bare metal is showing all around.
-
- Use the battery brush bristles to clean the inside of the cable ends. Or scrape with a knife.
- Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion.
- Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!)
- Replace positive cable and tighten to specification
- Test for proper car operation, including starting the engine
- Reset the radio presets
