Battery terminal corrosion?

[LeakySeals]

At first I though the original alternator was over charging my battery. Looking closer, there appears to be some type of chemical reaction going on between the battery terminal post and the connectors. Looks like the factory connectors are copper? Is that whats happening? If so what connectors would be a better choice to prevent that?

 

[AandPDan]

Even if they're both lead you'll have this problem. It's very common on all vehicles.

Check out your parts store (even Wally World). They carry a "battery washer" that slips over the post. It's impregnated with a chemical that will prevent the corrosion. Put one on each post - DONE.

 

[Mr Nice]

I just grease the positive terminal.

 

[SOHCman]

I use a dielectric grease on my battery posts after a good cleaning and it never comes back. It also keeps the wires from seizing onto the posts.

 

[ctrcbob]

First clean the posts and connectors with Arm and Hammer Baking Soda mixed in water. Then wipe dry and sandpaper both. Then reconnect.

You may have to reset the clock, and other things that have battery memory, plus your engine and transmission computer may have to be driven for a while for them to re-learn.

If you don't want to take the posts and connetors apart, the next best thing is to squirt Baking Soda and water over the connected posts, until it is as clean as you can get it. Then tap the connector and post lightly with a hammer (I did say LIGHTLY) To make sure there is a good connection. Then you can spray on an item you can buy at any Auto Parts Store to prevent the corrosion(sp)from coming back. (Or you can do what I used to do back in the old days, and after the corrosion (sp) is gone, and you have tapped the post and connector, I used to just squirt a little oil on the post from an oil can).

 

[AVB]

a drop of motor oil each time you check the oil works too.

 

[mechtech2]

Any oil or grease should go OUTSIDE the terminals. This is AFTER they have been cleaned shiny clean on all the contact surfaces.
I like a few coats of spray Rustoleum paint [once again, afterwards]. No mess , and works great.
Sometimes cars have a special corrosion problem. Too high water, overcharging, battery that is not mounted tight, leak in the case, dirt on the case, etc., will cause trouble.

 

[Dan55]

Noco makes a kit they carry it at Walmart P/N MC101, it costs a little under $3. It contains two felt washers that fit over the terminals,they provide a barrier against acid fumes that seep through improperly sealed batteries. The kit also contains a spray on corrosion inhibitor that protects the cable connectors. You can learn more at their website http://www.noco-usa.com/pdf/Noco-Catalog-Chemicals.pdf I had a similar situation on my 2006 Milan, the washers and inhibitor kept my terminals clean for 3 years until I sold it. Also if you don't feel comfortable disconecting your battery the felt washers can be cut.

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
At first I though the original alternator was over charging my battery. Looking closer, there appears to be some type of chemical reaction going on between the battery terminal post and the connectors.

This is generally caused by a failed seal between post and case. Corrosive gases are then able to leak out from the base of the post, rather than being emitted from the cell vents. Unless the battery is quite old, such failures are almost always due to overtightening of the terminals, which torques the post in the case, damaging the post/case seal.

The only sure cure is to replace the battery, and tighten the terminals onto the new battery GENTLY! It takes VERY little pressure on the wrench to tighten the terminals correctly.

A baking-soda paste will get rid of the corrosion on the terminals and wires.

 

[Eddie]

As a stop gap, you can install felt battery post pads, that are impregnated with a basic to counteract any acid. Buy at any battery store for ~ $2. Remove, clean and reinstall the cables using the felt pads.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

I have used the felt pads for many years. I didn't know why they worked but I could tell they did.

 

[SuperDave456]

Be careful with the spray inhibitors. I've gone overboard before and that caused the terminals to be greasy and slip off after a few months. A little goes a long way.

Not a good thing in a poorly lit parking garage thinking. "Huh, It won't even go "click". After a 16 hour day at work.

+1 on the Felt pads. Those do more than the spray does.

 

[Bob Woods]

Use "Fluid Film" its not cheap but it works

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: AandPDan
Even if they're both lead you'll have this problem. It's very common on all vehicles.

Check out your parts store (even Wally World). They carry a "battery washer" that slips over the post. It's impregnated with a chemical that will prevent the corrosion. Put one on each post - DONE.


They're even RED and GREEN. Coupla bucks. Work great. BUT, the seal between the battery top and the post is what weeps on a "sealed, no water" battery. Wise to check the charging system.

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: AandPDan
Even if they're both lead you'll have this problem. It's very common on all vehicles.

Check out your parts store (even Wally World). They carry a "battery washer" that slips over the post. It's impregnated with a chemical that will prevent the corrosion. Put one on each post - DONE.


They're even RED and GREEN. Coupla bucks. Work great. BUT, the seal between the battery top and the post is what weeps on a "sealed, no water" battery. Wise to check the charging system.

It has red/green felt pads on, they came with this battery that is 2 years old.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/D...32327_175955_0_

 

[Errtt]

I have/use a couple spray cans. One is Battery Cleaner and the other Battery Protector & Sealer. Small spray cans, branded Permatex.
Once terminals are clean and snug, I lay shop towels around each terminal then go at it with the protector/sealer. Wipe off excess.
Never a problem.

I've used those felt washers and done a gob of grease. Just happen to get these cans some years ago so been using them since. A little goes a long way.

 

[zrxkawboy]

I've tried a variety of things over the years. The felt washers are the easiest/neatest and they do a great job.

 

[LeakySeals]

Found another use for the free AeroKroil that came with the Kreen I ordered. Wow. Removed the corrosion, rust, and left a nice clean slightly oiled post. Now for that drop of motor oil advice. The finger is the best applicator I have.

What would I use to top off the cells? Both are submerged, but one looks lower.

 

[Trav]

Just put a real copper penny next to the + terminal after its been cleaned up.
It works like a charm, guaranteed.

 

[LeakySeals]

I now have 2 pennies stuck on with gum next to each post!