There are two caps on the top of my car battery, I was curious and popped them off with ease. I found three holes under each of the covers with a liquid in the holes (assuming battery acid) I then replaced the caps which look like that had rubber seals that went into the holes. Since I have done this my battery has lost considerable power it seems and its quite difficult to start my car, which never was a problem before (I can see the battery gauge go down to the red).
2007-08-17 04:58:24 · 22 answers · asked by pbparadox 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You probably weren’t able to seal the caps properly and the liquid might be evaporating. Most modern batteries were not meant to be opened. Take the caps off again and see how much liquid is still left refill with distilled water if necessary. If it still looks good then maybe it’s an alternator problem…how old is the battery?
2007-08-17 05:03:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your a smart good guy! Anytime there are two long narrow plastic caps on a battery they're their for a reason. That's to say the battery should be checked yearly and filled with distilled water up the the bottom of the filler necks. An overcharge above 14.00 volts by your car alternator will actually boil off a little of the acid water as you drive.
If your gage showed red the voltage available with the car not running is probably low. If the battery is under 4 yrs. old, charge it back up @ 2 amps over night and check the battery voltage with a volt meter. If you don't see a minimum of 12.5 volts it's time for a new battery. If you need one Walmart has the yellow Maxx batteries which are made by the Deka battery factory in PA. They cost around $65.00. They have a full three year warranty. Consumers reports rate these very highly. DieHards aren't what they use to be as they come from Mexico. AC-Delco Professional batteries are made in the USA are very good but the cost is $125.00. If it does not say Professional on a Delco Battery they are made in Mexico also. Exide and Interstate are two other brands that are rated quite well.
The other guys are right on, the gel batteries are the best but the cost will "rock your world".
In my opinion if cost is no object look around for National Batteries. They have a lifetime 100% warranty. Again You'd be looking at $125. minimum.
2007-08-17 05:30:12 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Opening the covers didn't do anything. They are made to be opened to occasionally add water. You must have just had bad timing or possibly you lossened one of the cables connected to the battery.
Best bet is to try and tighten the cables first. While you are at it, you should take them off and clean the post and the inside of the terminal with a light sand paper to get better contact. Just shine both surfaces up a bit and then reinstall the cables tight. Just make SURE you put them back on the same spots. If you cross them, you can create bad bad problems.
If you aren't sure how or aren't good with a wrench, you can go to a place like Sears and they will test it for you. They will also test the battery. If it is bad and you buy a new one from them, they usually don't charge for the test.
The test is only about 10-20 bucks if you battery is good.
2007-08-17 05:06:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are where you fill distilled water.
Your battery must have lost the water (which turns into battery acid when put in the battery) because you did not secure the caps correctly or it needs those rubber seals.
If you open it again, you will see the water line is lower than the fill line (side of battery).
if you fill it to the fill line with distilled water and drive around in normal conditions, the problem will stop, as the battery is recharged during driving.
I would also go to autozone or any place to get the rubber seals. They are about 0.25-.0.55 each or are a special made seal.
Also, Autozone and other stores, test and charge your battery for free.
2007-08-17 05:05:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Removing those caps and checking the acid level is part of routine maintenance. You're suppose to do it.
If the battery gauge goes to the red while the engine is running, it sounds like the alternator is bad.
A good person with a voltmeter can tell you what's going on in two minutes. If the battery is more than 5 years old, it's probably ready to be replaced.
2007-08-17 05:04:20 · answer #5 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The connectors that are on the battery could have dirty connections. By you moving the battery around to look under those caps, you may have made a bad connection worst.
Use a wrench to loosen and re-tighten those connectors. If they are white and crusty, use some water and baking soda mixed to clean the terminals.
AS A SIDE NOTE HERE
The gases given off the battery are VERY explosive. Keep all sparks open flame away from this 6 holes !
2007-08-17 05:05:21 · answer #6 · answered by J S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taking the caps off did not ruin the battery. Hot weather will shorten the life of a battery. Probable need a new battery
Safety warning::: You took the caps off with no reason why. You took a chance of loosing your eye sight. If the fumes and liquid splashed on your face...It is acid...
2007-08-17 05:06:34 · answer #7 · answered by Gerald 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opening the cover alone will not damage the battery. Probably you might have drained out the distilled water which should be again topped up. Since the battery still has power please top it with distilled water and then charge for 8 hours and then check the voltage on load, and it should be about 14 volts for a 12 volt fully charged battery.
2007-08-17 05:06:52 · answer #8 · answered by rajan l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...inside the battery is H2 SO4 (Sulfuric acid)... you didn't hurt it a bit... extremely HOT weather and extremely Cold weather will effect the battery... make sure your cable connections are "clean" and tight... if you ever need to add water to the batter...only use distilled water... check your alternator... make sure it's "putt'n out"... and if you;re running the radio, the lights the A/C and all the "power" stuff... yeah, it might seen to be a bit sluggish.... if the batter is "old" it might need to be replaced... most Auto Parts stores can do a "load" test for you to determine the condition of your battery...
2007-08-17 05:07:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that shouldn't have hurt it unless its loosing acid,you might should check this ,if its leaking acid replace the battery ,because the acid will eat what ever it comes in contact with up,any metal surfaces it will eat them up,so discard the battery if its leaking,other wise taking the top caps off shouldn't have hurt it,but check it to be sure,good luck on it.
2007-08-17 05:05:14 · answer #10 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋