95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Battery Terminal Buildup

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Old May 4, 2004 | 03:40 PM
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LSUMatt1514's Avatar
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Battery Terminal Buildup

What's the best thing to use to clean battery terminals? I've got that teal greenish buildup on my negative terminal. Later.

Matt
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Old May 4, 2004 | 04:34 PM
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they make battery terminal cleaners. they're just little brush things. i wanna know how to stop it from building up.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 04:55 PM
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Try mixing some baking soda with water and use a toothbrush to apply it to the terminal... works wonders and not harmful to any of the components or the environment. Let us know how it turns out!
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:26 PM
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I use a battery terminal grease that works pretty well in keeping the fuzzy stuff away completely. Initially you clean the terminal, clean the clamp on the wire end, assemble the two then coat it throughly with the grease. Works like a charm.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:36 PM
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i wanna know how to stop it from building up
Vaseline. Seriously, try it.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:39 PM
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Actually, just pour some Coke over both terminals to clean them. The carbonic acid in the soda reduces the oxidation that is on the terminal. Just douse with a few ounces of Coke (or Pepsi, etc) and let it sit for a few minutes. Reapply after about 10 minutes, then pour a little water over the terminals so your battery doesn't stay sticky.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:41 PM
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Yeah, Coke not only tasted good...but it cleans batteries! I've used it many a time on my terminals and now that I think about it, I might need to do it again.

Fink
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:44 PM
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I've never cleaned my terminals. Never had any problems before.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 4RUNR
Vaseline. Seriously, try it.
That is probably what is in the tube I use... at 10 times the price...
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:55 PM
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Step one Solution: Go to Circle K or 7-11 get a coke. Pour over terminals. Use a rag to take the last of the residue off. (What can I say, us rednecks use cola almost as much as duct tape)

Step two Prevetion: Go to auto store. Next to the batteries that are for sale you will see red and green chemicaly treated felt washers (~$.99). Put on the posts and you won't have any build up.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 05:57 PM
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I have used both what have been mentioned above:

1) Baking Soda
2) Coca-Cola

I personally think that Coca-Cola worked the best......If anyone has used any of these please contact me I am interested in what works best. I had a battery w/ corroded terminals on X-Mas eve and I am looking for a quick yet easy solution, esp. since my subsititues were limited

Thanks
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Old May 4, 2004 | 06:18 PM
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My solution is stop buildup before it stats! Optima with gold terminals is the only way to go! Check it out------->


Last edited by bike4miles; May 5, 2004 at 09:39 AM.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 06:41 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I can spring for a can of Coke.

Matt
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Old May 4, 2004 | 06:44 PM
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i personally just spray them w/ high pressure every time i wash my car. All of my auxillary connections are secure because i did them myself, and so far this has prevented 100% corrosion build up.
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Old May 4, 2004 | 06:59 PM
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From: mayport FL
Originally Posted by bike4miles
My solution is stop buildup before it stats! Optoma with gold terminals is the only way to go! Check it out------->

Yup I second gold terminals as well

Last edited by 934rnr; May 4, 2004 at 07:01 PM.
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Old May 5, 2004 | 06:29 AM
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There is a spray I bought at Wal-Mart in the battery section of automotive. It comes out as a yellow foam. When it hits acid it turns pink. You keep spraying it on the battery untill there is no more pink. This is a good way to see if all the acid is gone before putting on the grease.
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