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| <blockquote><hr>The number "my car won't start" problem -- with new cars or old -- is the battery cable connections.<hr></blockquote> | <blockquote><hr>The number "my car won't start" problem -- with new cars or old -- is the battery cable connections.<hr></blockquote> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Note: If the positive battery cable is really bad, replace it. Reasons to replace it include: | ||
| + | * Corroded bolt, so cable can't be tightened | ||
| + | * Green corroded wires (white corroded can usually be cleaned up) | ||
| + | |||
| # Remove the negative battery cable first so that any accidental touch of the wrench will not cause a spark | # Remove the negative battery cable first so that any accidental touch of the wrench will not cause a spark | ||
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| # Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel. | # Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel. | ||
| # Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits | # Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits | ||
| - | # Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny | + | # Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny. Alternatively, you can scrape the posts with a flat screwdrive until shiny bare metal is showing all around. |
| - | # Use the battery brush on the inside of the cable ends | + | # Use the battery brush on the inside of the cable ends. Or scrape with a knife. |
| # Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion. | # Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion. | ||
| # Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!) | # Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!) | ||
Revision as of 06:46, 27 May 2012
Battery needs TLC.
Cable Cleaning
The battery cable connections should be cleaned once a year.
The number "my car won't start" problem -- with new cars or old -- is the battery cable connections.
Note: If the positive battery cable is really bad, replace it. Reasons to replace it include:
- Corroded bolt, so cable can't be tightened
- Green corroded wires (white corroded can usually be cleaned up)
- Remove the negative battery cable first so that any accidental touch of the wrench will not cause a spark
- Remove the postive battery cable
- Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel.
- Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits
- Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny. Alternatively, you can scrape the posts with a flat screwdrive until shiny bare metal is showing all around.
- Use the battery brush on the inside of the cable ends. Or scrape with a knife.
- Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion.
- Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!)
- Replace positive cable and tighten to specification
- Test for proper car operation, including starting the engine
- Reset the radio presets