I recently encountered an odd problem… This Jeep’s gauges were bouncing like crazy even when turned off, and it wasn’t starting. As with most electrical issues I started the diagnosis with inspecting the battery, and sure enough the terminals were badly corroded.
Here’s a step by step summary of how I resolved the issue:
- Safely disconnect the battery: Start by disconnecting the battery cables from the terminals and moving them out of the way to prevent accidental contact.
- Clean the terminals: After removing the battery, use a brush to clean the gunk and corrosion off the top of the battery. Avoid pouring baking soda water directly on the battery to prevent any liquid from seeping into the cells.
- Check the battery cells: Remove the caps from the battery cells and inspect the water levels. Add distilled water carefully to bring the water level just below the plastic vent tube.
- Spot clean the terminals: Use baking soda water to dab around the battery terminals, ensuring the corrosion residue is effectively removed. The fizzing action indicates the cleaning process is working.
- Clean the cables: Swirl the battery cables in the baking soda water to clean off any corrosion residue. Follow up with a wire brush for a thorough cleaning.
- Replace damaged terminals: If the battery terminals are heavily corroded, it’s recommended to replace them with new ones for a better connection.
- Test the battery: Use a battery tester to measure the resting voltage and apply a resistive load to assess the battery’s health. If necessary use a battery charger with a repair feature to recondition the battery.
- Reinstall the battery: After recharging and confirming the battery’s health, reinstall it securely, ensuring proper connections.
For more details on the process of cleaning and reviving a car battery, I encourage you to watch the full YouTube video below. The video provides visual demonstrations and additional insights into the steps outlined above. In the video description, you’ll find links to the products used, including the battery charger featured in the video. To participate in a giveaway and get a chance to win a shirt from our Spreadshirt store, make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, leave a comment expressing your interest in the shirt, and subscribe to this blog.
Remember, maintaining a clean and healthy battery can help ensure reliable vehicle performance. Watch the video now and equip yourself with the knowledge to tackle battery-related issues efficiently.
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Dan is a DIY zealot and autodidact. Real science, pseudoprofessional.