A battery is responsible for delivering the electrical power necessary to turn the engine until the engine starts. Once the engine starts, the alternator then delivers the required voltage. Too often, starting problems are attributed to a defective starter motor or voltage regulator. However, more often than not, the source of most starting problems can be traced to corroded battery contacts. Even if the battery is fully charged, poor contacts will prevent the battery from delivering the necessary voltage. It is therefore imperative to properly maintain these contacts.
Wear goggles and leather gloves to protect yourself from battery acid and other toxic deposits.
Remove the two battery cables from the battery. The negative battery terminal should be disconnected before the positive battery terminal. The negative battery terminal can be identified by locating the "---" symbol, which appears next to the terminal. To disconnect the cable, turn the nut at the end of the cable in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench, then pull the cable away from the battery terminal. Once the negative battery cable has been disconnected, disconnect the positive battery cable in the same manner. The positive battery terminal can be identified by locating the "+" sign next to the positive terminal.
Pour baking soda directly on the negative battery terminal, then scrub the terminal with a small brush that has first been immersed in water.
Allow the negative battery terminal to dry.
Pour baking soda directly onto the positive battery terminal, then scrub the terminal with a small brush that has first been immersed in water.
Allow the positive battery terminal to dry.
Pour baking soda over the metal tip of the each battery cable, then scrub the cable's tip with a small brush.
Allow both battery cables to dry.
Place the positive battery cable over the positive battery post, then tighten the nut on the end of the cable to secure it by turning the nut in a clockwise direction with a wrench.
Place the negative battery cable over the negative battery post, then tighten the nut on the end of the cable to secure it.
