How to Repair a Positive Battery Terminal
Battery corrosion is a common reason why battery terminals fail to work properly. The positive and negative battery terminals can become corroded in time as battery acid leaches from the battery onto the terminal posts. To repair a positive battery terminal, you must disconnect the terminal, clean it thoroughly and then replace it. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the battery or seek the help of a professional automotive technician.
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Things You'll Need
- Protective glasses and gloves
- Adjustable wrench
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Baking soda
- Water
- Toothbrush or small utility brush
- Small wire brush
- Paper towels
- High molybdenum content grease (ask your local automotive shop for the correct type)
Instructions
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1
Put on the protective glasses and gloves. Disconnect the negative battery cable terminal and then the positive battery cable terminal with the adjustable wrench.
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2
Mix a spoonful of baking soda with an equal amount of water in the small bowl. Adjust the baking soda and water mixture until you create a paste.
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3
Dip the toothbrush into the paste and apply it to the positive battery terminal and the positive battery post. Scrub it gently to remove the corrosion.
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4
Rinse the paste away with water, taking care to prevent the water from entering the battery case. Blot any excess water with paper towels.
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5
Repeat the paste scrubbing and cleaning with the wire brush to remove any tough deposits. Rinse thoroughly, watching again to be sure that no water enters the battery casing. Allow everything to dry.
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6
Apply a coat of grease to the battery terminal and the battery post with the clean, dry toothbrush. Reconnect the battery terminals to the battery posts, starting with the negative terminal and then moving to the positive.
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7
Attempt to start the vehicle. If it still does not start, either replace the battery or seek assistance from a professional automotive technician.
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Tips & Warnings
Battery acid is corrosive and potentially harmful to your skin and eyes. Exercise caution to ensure that you do not come into direct contact with the acid.
References
- Photo Credit dead battery image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Only mistake is connect the positive terminal to battery first then negative terminal. Its the reverse of the order to disconnect the terminals, given in step 1.
