My car (<70 k miles) stalled yesterday. When I popped the hood, I noticed significant corrosion around the positive terminal on the battery. I cleared a fair amount off and was able to drive it home, but it still kept trying to sputter out and the check engine light was on the entire time (I live in the midwest and it's VERY cold here now, don't know if that means anything). Could I expect a significant improvement if I were to clean the terminal thouroughly? Any other ideas, possible diagnoses?
2007-02-16 01:41:35 · 8 answers · asked by randyken 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Cleaning your terminals would definately help. This will allow for the battery to charge fully and supply a stable voltage to the electrical engine components, it will also assist with stabilizing the output of the alternator especially when you stop or idle your vehicle. When its cold you use alot more assesories, (defrosters, heater, some have seat heaters) when idling your alternator output is minimal and you draw partially from battery until RPM is picked up.
2007-02-16 01:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by tom_walker86 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cold might have something to do with the check engine light but if its sputtering like its going to die the corrosion on the battery around the postive terminal is the problem might try to clean it thoroughly or a new battery. I would also try to take your car to a mechanic or a part store and have them check the check engine light for you they will be able to tell u what your car says is wrong.
2007-02-16 01:52:41 · answer #2 · answered by honeybree469 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting the corrosion off would definitely be a good thing for the battery. I'm assuming your car is hooked up to the battery through side mounts? Check to make sure your battery cable is securely tightened down to the battery mount. There are two products I'd recommend, one will be a battery cleaner spray and a protection sealer spray. They were sold together when I bought them. Disconnect the battery cable clean the corrosion from it, and the battery mount itself.
I had this same problem on my truck. The cable was coming loose from the side mount on the positive battery terminal and it was causing all sorts of corrosion to form. It wasn't loose enough for me to turn by hand, but I was able to turn it tighter with a locking pliers. My vehicle would spit and sputter the same as yours and my check engine light came on also. Eventually all of my idiot lights came on and the starter just clicked when I'd go to start the engine. Side mounts aren't as good as the old way of hooking a battery up to the posts on top.
After going through this, my vehicle has been fine ever since.
2007-02-16 01:52:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have more than battery problems. But to fix the battery terminal thing disconnect both battery terminals, clean them thoroughly and apply a light coat of lithium grease and reconnect the terminals. Then apply a good coat of the same grease all over the terminal. That should keep them from corroding.
If it is sputtering, you may some fuel issues. See a mechanic.
2007-02-16 06:44:31 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you haven't said which engine light is on. I suspect your grungy terminal isn't the route of your evils. That my friend will have to be done by an SAE Certified Mechanic that can put it on a machine to check your computer system. There is just too many sensors and things alike that can be a problem and having you chase shadows isn't what I call... A FUN DAY. and that method of auto repair can get expensive. SO! Go to your trusted auto mechanic... make an appointment and pay the 60 or 80 bucks and have them tell you exactly whats wrong. Taking the guess work out and no more mysteries.
OH, about your battery terminal, You can clean them with baking soda water and coat them to stop that and clean the terminal and clamp mating surfaces or just cut them off and replace them and then coat them.
2007-02-16 01:52:10 · answer #5 · answered by Kill_Me_Now! 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure. Clean the terminal with a wire brush and don't forget to clean the cable also. Auto parts stores carry a tool that is made just for this purpose. It makes the job easier.
Hope this helps some.
2007-02-16 01:51:51 · answer #6 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yea that would help.at least it would be getting the full voltage it needs.use some baking sada or a can of coke,then put some grease on them.
2007-02-16 04:56:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes clean it...I often "repair " cars that are running bad this way..bad connection makes the computer go crazy..
2007-02-16 01:46:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋