How to Clean Battery Terminals
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- When your vehicle is acting up, one of the very first things to check is the battery terminals. Battery terminals can get corroded, lose, rusty, you name it, and when they do, every single thing that runs off electricity in your car can be affected. But it's easy to fix. Just a simple cleaning can make the electrical connection at you battery terminals like new, and eliminate all the issues corroded terminals can cause. Ive seen people sell cars for next to nothing because they didnt run right when the battery connections were the only thing at fault......Don't let that be you.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Have been a mechanic for 55+ years, just found your channel. I thought I would check out a couple of your videos and need to say, you do a very good job of explaining what and why you are doing and these are really good videos for beginners to get into mechanic work and learn to do it right. Job well done!
That's exactly how I was taught as a kid, and still do it today.. Fun memories and good advice. Thanks Dave. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Do this yearly as my grandfather taught me. Thanks Dave. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
⁷j
Pour coca cola on posrs/connectors,prior to removing and cleaning this works incredible. Spray are down with water to neutralize acidic cola from area.after cleaning and putting post ring pads connect up and grab some grease,apply thin coat on terminal and post surface to prevent oxidation
@@jimmyconn7314 Jimmy Conn, from KY?
Incredibly simple yet incredibly important ... another tip worth its weight in UP Pasties! (LOL) Thanks, Dave! Merry Christmas ... here's to an enjoyable 2022 :) God Bless
Great job on the video.
I like to put down the felt washers before replacing the cables.
I buy a kit that has battery cleaner in a spray and also a coating that resists all that crud.
My jeep had a dead battery one time and I could not imagine why. I had driven two hours to a stop but the 2 year old battery was down to nothing. It turned out there was a thin film of corrosion between the battery cable and the post. It didn't have a big mess showing, it was all inside the cable. So it can be corroded but not show. That was the first time it happened but that battery was a sealed unit so maybe that has something to do with it. After a cleaning, and a jump start and driving home the battery was at full charge and it lasted till it was eight years old.
It has not happened since then but I have been using the felt washers and the protective spray since that day when it gave me trouble.
Good stuff as usual.
Baking soda and water will neutralize the acid especially on top of the battery.
Coca cola also works well.
Exceasive corrosion can also go up the positive cable inside the sheathing. Depending on the length of cable you might be able to an inch or so off and reinstall to the battery clamp.
Note some vehicles there is not an extra inch of cable to do that.
When buying new terminals.
If you buy the ones that are painted red and black and look cool. Make sure to scrape the paint out of the inside or it may not make contact.
I bought a truck cheap because the owners could not get it to start.
Side post batteries are not as susceptible to corrosion but it can still happen. Clean them when you change the oil.
I have had good luck with the spray on battery corrosion inhibitors.
Also if there is lots of corrosion.
After cleaning and all the dust is gone.
Carefully open the caps if possible and check the water level.
Only used distilled water to fill them up.
If the battery does not seem to be holding a charge.
Charge it and then disconnect the battery terminals.
In the AM if it starts, there is a phantom load draining the battery.
If not you might have a bad battery.
I use a pulse charger which supposedly breaks up sulphation between the plates.
good points
@@cheapwheels9828 Thanks.
I forgot to add wear old clothes just in case.
My thoughts on the Coke and Baking soda. 🍻
I know so little about cars. I’m learning so much from you. Merry Christmas!
Thanks!
Merry Christmas Dave and Brooke . 🌲🎄🌲🎄💕💕💕. Thx for the info you provide us , appreciate it all.
Merry Christmas
wow the battery date was 2012. What a long lasting battery. Thanks for the video
Excellent video, but one thing at the end for safety. After messing around with corroded battery terminals like that, you really need to make sure you wash your hands good. And wearing a dust mask if you want while using a wire brush doesnt hurt. Love this whole series. Knowing stuff like this is how im still driving a '99 chevy suv with almost 400,000 miles on it. A little maintenance can go a long ways.
Well said
Great video! Merry Christmas Dave, Brooke, & family!
Merry Christmas
Numerous times I’ve used my pocket knife to clean mine, have to use what’s available. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas
...one of the most ignored maintenance jobs, good info. stay safe and have Merry Christmas..
Merry Christmas
Dave! Great video. I just cleaned my wife's battery terminals last weekend with a tool like yours that i have had at least 40 yrs. It's sad that today most people don't have a clue. It's just basic maintenance .................... ✝✝✝🎄🎁🎅😎👍👍
true
L[o😅llL😅😅
Great to see a new video. Cool trick using the screwdriver and sand paper. Happy holidays and God bless!
Thanks, you too!
Great video=
Don't forget to winterize the blinker fluid up north and file usually does the job and always handy to keep one in the glove box with your with tire gauge..
Thanks Dave. Just a note: I saw you held the terminal as you tighten it, good choice. I've broken the terminal loose from the case by not holding it.
right on
DId not see this one when it was released. I even have the "notify" button pushed, just double checked. Anyway, good video. I just had to do this on my daughters car during our cold snap last week, in a driveway, without anything but my little tool kit. Fortunately I keep sand paper in there, so that's the method that got used.
I always spray anti-corrosion after cleaning and re-clamping. It leaves a red film. Almost no corrosion since I moved to dry California. In Atlanta once, wifey called stranded w/ "car won't crank". Drove there and used a multimeter. When trying to crank, across the battery posts read ~12 VDC so battery was OK and charged. Moved to the terminal sides (cables), it dropped to ~4 V when trying to crank. Told me the drop was across the terminals. They even looked OK, with only slight white powder (lead oxide?), but the interface can have hidden corrosion. Fortunately, had a Battery Brush (keep in all my cars) so cleaned the terminals and started fine. That is a task every few years in the Eastern U.S. to not get stranded. BTW, hybrids and even full battery cars still have a similar 12 VDC lead-acid battery (half size by twice the price), though don't need it to "crank" just to operate devices (lights, radio, dash computer, ...).
You are a great communicator Dave, Nice job. I would love to see a video on vacuum leak detection for the old ford truck; just an idea
ohhh...good idea
Dave, Scotch Brite is also an option in cleaning the posts/terminals. Using a carbonated beverage can help to neutralize the acid before cleaning things, and this helps to limit getting the oxide into the air. Also, dribble a bit of motor oil on the posts when checking the level, and this can help keep the corosion at bay. One could used petroleum jelly before reattaching the terminals, or there are some aerosal products designed for such an application.
Thanks
i use brake fluid on mine! just a few drops!
Many carbonated drinks are very acidic, so you are fighting acid with acid, that does work well. Try pouring really hot water over the terminals and battery post, that will dissolve a good portion of the corrosion and will reduce the amount of dust during the cleaning.(less dest to breath).
Great video. Some people were never taught how to maintain their car.
The problem is those people who weren’t taught cannot teach what they were not taught!
Wow! I did not think Dave from "Alone" would be the one teaching me this!
I'm blown away a battery from 2012 is still working! Glad to see a new video Dave 👍💪 you're the man #bushradical
Thanks
.....I had a battery in my escort that was OEM.....it went bad in 2015 and I changed it out. It was from 1998
@@cheapwheels9828 just goes to show you they don't make stuff like they use to! 💪
Thats a really "posative" bit of useful information Dave. An episode on how to 'winterise' your vehicle would be good for the vast majority of masses out there.
Keep well and keep safe, and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
David in the UK.
Thanks for the idea!
Thanks for the video Mr. Dave. Brother Dan (late) worked as a diesel mechanic for the county bus fleet here in MIami. Like comments below he had me using baking soda, and mentioned coca-cola, but all the stripping of built up corrosion were the same tools, and methods you used here. He wanted me to pull that battery out completely to clean off the entire battery case, and then the tray itself with baking soda, and mentioned to me I could buy this spray stuff from auto parts stores, or use petroleum jelly to cover the terminals (outside only), which protects from future oxidation.
Happiness to you, Brooke, and family, and everyone here making comments on this Christmas. Bless
i also work in Miami, at Central I&O, but, I float between Coral Way and NE
Thanks
Be very careful that you don't get any baking soda inside the battery. It will break down the battery electrolyte......
Good presentation.
1 extra tip, a very small amount of petroleum jelly smeared on the terminals before bolting the lead lugs back on.
It’s conducive & will help prevent any future corrosion.
👍
right on
Some people even just spray paint the terminal when clean
Or just use dielectric grease like you should instead of petroleum jelly... You should not use vaseline... Just use what you are supposed to.
CLR is great for the terminals too if used carefully and sparingly. Batteries don't last anymore than 3-4yrs now unfortunately.
Dave and Brooke have a very Merry Christmas! ☃️🎄✨
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from Minnesota! 🌲🌲🌲
Same to you!
Merry Christmas Dave and to your family also. God bless
Merry Christmas JR
Just get a bowl of hot water with some baking soda and wash the battery terminals. Save you all the work and don't need any new tools, plus no acidic dust to worry about.
Does it need to remove terminal before pouring hot water with baking soda?
I rather go with the internal brush then dumping goop on my battery
@@roxgamingphprobably
Remove terminal first? Or can I just pour the water on it as is?
thanks again for a great video Dave!! Merry Christmas :)
Same to you!
Merry Christmas Dave hope you have a great time.
Thanks
Clean the top of the battery as well. When your done cleaning, give both battery posts a shot of spray paint to protect the bare metal from future corrosion. The paint won’t attract dirt like grease does or land up on the elbows of your jacket when doing other maintenance. Been there, done that.
right on....Good tip
Like you I would rather paint the terminal and post once everything is cleaned. I did a battery maintenance a couple of years ago when I noticed the white build up, well I saw this video and decided to check my battery. Wouldn't you know it the negative terminal had corrosion on it. I pulled the battery out and started cleaning the terminals. I am sanding and scraping and I can't get it all to come off. I forgot how easy baking soda and water works. I put some in a small bowl and dipped the cable ends into the bowl and like magic the bowl turned a little blue and the corrosion disappeared. Most my corrosion was on the bottom of the terminals so this time I put a little bit of Vaseline at the base of the battery post. I sprayed some paint on the posts and terminals as a finishing touch. Good video and thanks for reminding me to do a check up on my battery.
Happy Motoring.
Merry Christmas Dave 🎄
Before reinstalling, you should buy some felt pads and dielectric grease. Grease all metal parts, install felt pads over posts, reconnect terminals and most likely will never have this problem again.
Nope. Dielectric grease DOES NOT GO BETWEEN SURFACES. It's to cover the connection afterwards!
Hey Dave thank you for the video and I agree with what you say there that is so true happy holidays
Merry Christmas Scott
@@cheapwheels9828 thanks Dave
Happy Holidays Horse! Love The Video!
Johnny!! Merry Christmas brother
@@cheapwheels9828 Horse!! Same To You, And Your Family Brother
I just love the way u explain things. I can understand. I remember seeing my grandpa pour coke or baking soda over it to eat away acid. Does it work
The other day I was driving home ny car was acting up. And everytime I jump e d my car as soon as we unhooked the battery from the jumper cables thee car would die. And 2 people ar the Sametime said its the alternator. Is that true? Help I don't want ti put money into a money pit,? Thank you for taking the time to respond. I'm sure you are super bust. Again I appreciate u taking the time.
Wear a mask, Cousin Dave! I mean for when there’s corroded dust in the air. 😷😉 We want you around for a long time, continuing to impart your wisdom on a clueless generation! Thanks for sharing with us! 💙🦋👍🏽
Deal!
Good advice. Thanks Dave.
Any time!
Great sand paper around screw driver trick!.
I'd take the battery out before scraping off the terminal debris over newspaper.
Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Thank you too
Very informative, thanks
Thanks Dave Happy Holidays
Thanks you too
Merry Christmas, I worked fitting batteries 20 odd years I always preferred flat bolt through post to round post and whenever possible, switched out round post for flat connection, when clean cover with Vaseline petroleum jelly, other petroleum jelly are available, but we always used Vaseline
I was taught to use baking soda and water to remove the acid and vaseline to protect the posts.
Thanks
Dave, I think you put the positive clamp nut on backwards. It will tighten easier when you reverse it. That's why the hex is only on one end.
Dave will you run for president please and thank you.
LOL....nope
That was awesome, thanks Dave!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for the video, dated 2/12 on the battery ,either you got a great battery or this is a old video, regardless thanks for sharing..
Its an OLD battery
Quick idea for a future video, Dave!
I’m sure you’re like me and have yard sale’d $5 wrench sets and $75 “tool box for sale, contents included” estate sale’d your way into a tool collection, but how about doing a short synopsis of the entry-level tools someone that isn’t mechanically inclined might want to buy to start tackling jobs on their own rigs? Maybe review one of the Harbor Freight tool kits? I know “needs” are subjective, but something along the lines of your basic brake job, struts/suspension work just for people to hit the ground running keepin’ their junk on the road.
Very good idea
I’ve been puttering with cars most of my life and what I’ve discovered is that usually when the terminal starts doing that it’s because the electrical system is overcharging the battery this also can Be the reasons why the gases are escaping from the battery another thing that you can do to help prevent cleaning the battery terminals is when you come first connected the battery up use a dielectric grease and coat the terminal and post it prevents the corrosion because everything will be covered in grease and being dielectric it’ll let the electricity pass through it. Hope this helps and merry Christmas
Thanks
Thank you Dave!
Baking soda and water cleans terminals good, my DAD used acouple teaspoons to water ,stirred well ! Also they make felt washers to slip over battery Posts to keep the acids from seeping out ! All parts stores carry them !
Thanks Dave. Nice to see several ways to do it.
I had a lot, and i mean A LOT, of corrosion on the main battery in my 2007 F250 Super Duty 6ltr diesel.
I pulled both negative terminals first, then the positive.
Wire brushed them all and am charging the batteries.
I was looking for a hint at preventing corrosion in the future.
Will petroleum jelly work? I thought it might not allow current to pass.
What's your experience?
Ive heard it does
Good advice. Thanks!
Thanks
Just did that a couple weeks ago. Had to change a cable end as well. I bought the cleaning tool and spray lol
Good job
Hello. Have a safe blessed night & holidays! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you! You too!
Merry Christmas! I've used Coke as an emergency cleaner
Merry Christmas
Great Video!
Merry Christmas Dave
Merry Christmas
DAVE, Good points for someone who knows nothing about auto electrics. Question: WHEN did you film this video? You posted it a year ago. The tag on the battery said 1/12, or January, 2012. My question... HOW DID YOU get TEN YEARS of life out of that battery?!?!?!
I bought the truck with this battery
Remove the battery terminals, scrub / flush the posts and terminals with a gallon of warm water containing a half cup of baking soda, and a toothbrush. Do not let the baking soda solution get into the battery cells through the caps. This dissolves the corrosion and keeps the dust from getting everywhere.
Good job Dave
Thanks
I had terminals like that on my '05 caravan and switch both of them out for marine terminals, they seem to not corrode as much. Merry Christmas.
right on
I just had a new battery installed last winter. When I got my oil change they said there was a lot of corrosion on the positive side. Since it’s a new battery I don’t understand why it already has corrosion. The auto parts store added some “gel” stuff when they installed saying it would help decrease that. Would there be another cause for this build up? Even the lil change place said your battery is pretty new but you want to clean that up or it can mess
with your car starting or running correctly. Also I’ve seen people use a can of Coke &
That the acid eat that away. Is that true
Or a myth? Thanks Dave…ironic I just found out about my battery & see this video. At least now I know how to remove it & clean it myself. I was afraid maybe the batter would spark messing with the hot side. You showed me
Otherwise. 😉
Fine job. But I also apply some battery grease on the whole thing.
Awesome stuff dude
Thanks!
Good tips
And clean it with baking soda all so like every 4. To 6 mouths it will Kipp them cleaned old school from steve c from state Oregon love you guys how us the off grid doing Dave and brook love you guys. Be good
Baking soda is what I’ve used in the past to clean the battery terminals. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Good to know
Use your garden hose to hose off the battery and terminals first and scrub with the wire brush while you're at it. No dust to breathe. Around corrosive elements, water is your best friend. No, it won't short out the battery. No you won't get shocked.
A battery terminal puller is nowhere near as expensive as replacing your battery if you break the post. I have found the best battery terminal dressing.......after your terminals are clean, dry and tight, dribble a small amount of Karo syrup on them. Completely cover all the exposed metal of the connection. Let it dry and repeat. It will leave a hard shellac that will keep the corrosion at bay. You may have to re-apply it from time to time especially if you drive a lot in wet conditions. When you need to remove the terminals next, just flush the hard shellac away with water. No greasy mess or glue type residue to remove. Always remove the negative terminal first and install it last, to minimize the risk of shorts. You don't want sparks flying around your battery. Fumes from the battery are explosive. The nut on the terminal bolt is a special design. The side without the wrench hex goes toward the terminal. Thanks for sharing.....Be well.
Happy birthday, Jesus!
Amen
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
🤗🤗 Thank you.
Welcome!
A pocket knife has been used to clean them up around the house by my dad and grandpa.
You can use fancy chemicals to keep them from getting that way again at most places that sell batteries. And you can use a basic hair spray to go over them once every has been connected. Does the same thing more or less....
Thats a new one. Thanks for the tip
You could use coke too Dave. Then use a little grease to keep it clean. I love my battery terminal cleaner like yours too though. But coke in a pinch works
right on
Yep. But hot water will dissolve most of the debris, then use the tool.
Spray w a little Ballistol afterwards. Neutralizes.
Time for a new battery too Dave. 2012...That is one old battery.
RIGHT!
You just need a kettle of boiling water and it will just disappear 😂
Great video!
Thanks!
You built a nice off grid cabin, right?
Keep your junk on the road to you too Clean Wheels, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas
Why did nt you do it right the first time. Would nt happened if you cleaned bolts and grease the cable and post. Grease stops rust.
subscribed
Dude try using boiling water mixed with a little baking soda. Just poor it on, be sure you have a pan under to catch run off, or do it outside.
Dave that is the most dangerous way I can think of. You don't have to do it my way, but I was in the auto electrical business for many years.
First first first thing that should be done is to pour a heavy mixture of baking soda and water on the terminals (this neutralizes the acid and starts the cleaning process, that build up will burn your skin and eyes very badly in less than a second.
Then disassemble the terminals positive first . Let the terminals soak in a heavy baking soda and water mixture for about an hour. Then start your cleaning process after dousing the battery terminals with the baking soda and water mixture.
You don't have to do it my way, there are a dozen different ways.
But that's how I do it.
Be Blessed.
Let's go Brandon !
Thanks
Why positive first?
This only happens when the person who installed the battery did it wrong. Posts are delicate. Use terminal sealer.
baking soda and water will neutralize that corrosion with light scrubbing too.
good tip
Om when you started to clean the inside of the battery wire ,you said the best place to do this was outside, im hoping you mint not in a garage because surely you didn't mean like in your house.
Once everything is back together a rub over with Vaseline or grease will stop further corrosion.
Thanks
Baking soda and boiling water, then dry it and put vasaline over it to keep it protected
Thanks
Good explanations, but your not using personal protective equipments
👍👍👍
This is what I call "Getr Done Advise"
Thanks
Gloves??
Also at first the pos terminal nut on the bolt was installed backwards ....prior to cleanup
Clean with Coca-Cola pure into cups put battery terminals in cups for three minute and then take an olde toothbrush clean and clean with fresh water take paper towel dry it applied Vaseline on battery terminal your battery lasts all year long.
❤❤❤❤
Gloves, safety glasses, N95 mask, baking soda and water on the terminals before you start taking off anything. Minus pole first when you take off the poles and plus pole first when you put them on.
Why all the safety stuff? Because you don't want any of this in your lungs, eyes or on your hands. Even if you do it all right, you can still get some of the acidic stuff in the wrong place. I don't wear my seatbelt because I'm such a bad driver, I'm of course a perfect driver, it's the other drivers out there I'm afraid of :)
But what if I have a lead clamp that is melted around the cables? Old Ford.