Replace Battery Terminals
Your car battery functions as a power source for your starting system and backup supply for your vehicle electrical circuits. Thus, the battery requires a good connection between each post and cable. However, it's not uncommon for cable terminals to oxidize, crack and loose their firm grip, creating a barrier between battery power and the car electrical systems. At this point, your starter motor begins to overheat and wear down-if it runs at all; the charging system has difficulty restoring battery power. To correct this problem, replace thebattery terminalsat home using a few simple tools.Disconnecting the battery terminals* Start by loosening anddisconnectingthe negative battery terminal first-the one hooked to the battery post marked with the minus (-) symbol. Then, loosen and disconnect the positive terminal.* Now, you can unbolt and remove the terminal you need to replace using a six-point wrench.* Does your battery cable have a molded lead terminal? Cut off the terminal with a pair of wire cutters (or hacksaw).* Proceed to remove about 1/2 an inch of insulation from the battery cable end.Cleaning your battery cables* Clean up the wire strands on the cable end with a wire brush to restore its original shine.* Are the cable strands covered with a white or greenish substance? Soak it for a minute or so in a solution ofbaking sodaand warm water, and then brush off the corrosion. You can use the same solution to clean the battery posts using a soft brush, if you have to.* However, if there's too much corrosion along the cable strands, you may need to cut the cable back. Just be absolutely certain the cable won't be too short that it won't reach the battery post; otherwise, replace that cable-or cable set.Installing the new battery terminals* Loosen the new terminal clamp bolts.* Slide the stripped cable end into the clamp and tighten the clamp bolts using a six-point wrench.* Some terminal replacements come with a crimp connector that wraps around the cable end instead. In this case, just place the stripped end of the cable between the crimp connector tabs and, using a crimping tool-or suitable set of pliers-squeeze the tabs together firmly around the cable end.* Repeat the procedure to replace the other terminal, if necessary.Connecting the cables to the battery* Prior to connecting the cables to the battery, place a felt washer over each battery post and connect the cables to the battery. This time, though, start with the positive terminal.* And then install the negative terminal.* After securing the terminals to the battery posts, apply a layer of petroleum jelly around the terminals and posts. Together, the felt washers and petroleum jelly will help prevent corrosion from creeping over the posts and terminals.Now, you have a good-and clean-path for full battery power to feed your vehicle electrical systems. And plan on keeping it that way. Eventually, battery acid will attack your car battery terminals. However, the precautions you took to protect the new terminals should keep corrosion at bay for some time. Still, take a few seconds to examine your battery terminals every time you need to pop the hood open. And, at the first sign of trouble, clean up the terminals. This procedure only takes a few minutes and ensures that your car will have all the power necessary to operate properly.
