cleaning battery terminals...?

I have a 2001 F250 SD gas. Its the first vehicle I've owned that has the little wimpy sheet-metal looking terminals to clamp onto the battery posts. Its also the first vehicle I've owned that is so sensitive to the 12 volt battery being disconnected for a few minutes.

My question: Do the wimpy little clamps and posts need cleaning annually?

If yes, how does one do that without disconnecting the battery and upsetting the radio, clock, and fuel delivery system, etc?

Thank you Lee Carkenord

Reply to
Lee Carkenord
Loading thread data ...

After you clean all terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water a small brush will help, then flush good with water when they are clean . When terminals are dry after the water flush cover all connections with vaseline . ( make sure your connections are tight before you put the vaseline on ) . You should not have anymore clean up jobs at the battery connections again . It worked for me for over one year now and it is cheap to do . Fox .

Lee Carkenord wrote:

Reply to
silverfox

My rule of thumb is to use observation. If I see a build-up of those white crystals, or, it seems that the vehicle is working harder than usual to start, then, yes...clean the connection. I have found that most auto parts places carry small cans of "battery terminal protector" spray. I don't quite know what is in it, but, I have had REALLY good luck with it over the years. I have run through a couple of cans, and, find that if I spray it on right after a good cleaning, it keeps the terminals looking good and free of corrosion for very long periods. I tend to re-apply it every year or two, although I am not sure that is necessary. As for disconnecting the battery...the only way to get the entire terminal cleaned up is to wire-brush down the contact surfaces. The only way to do that is to pull the terminals off the battery (don't forget to do the ground first!). Other than requiring that you reset the clock and recorded stations, it should have no serious side effects on your vehicle. And...Since it is something you only should have to do once every few years (especially if you spray the terminals), it should not be a big hassle. Regards Dave Mundt

Reply to
Dave Mundt

Reply to
Mellowed

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 18:22:59 +0000, Mellowed rearranged some electrons to form:

So when you're undoing the bolt on the positive terminal and you happen to hit the metal (grounded) body, you won't melt your wrench, and destroy the battery.

Reply to
David M

Reply to
Dave Mundt

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.