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Negative terminal corrosion

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by AAA96, Jan 22, 2023.

  1. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:01 AM
    #1
    AAA96

    AAA96 [OP] New Member

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    Anyone able to chime in about why I have green/white colored corrosion and buildup on the negative terminal of the battery? Also, best ways to clean and solve this problem. Thanks.
     
  2. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:08 AM
    #2
    Dirtrcr13

    Dirtrcr13 New Member

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    The post is not completely sealed at the battery case (plastic) allowing some acid and/or fumes to escape, creating the fuzzy stuff. Easiest thing is to start the vehicle, remove the terminal so you can get under it, clean it all off with a rag or brush, rinse with fresh water, reconnect and then coat the terminal and end with grease or that battery terminal spray stuff.
     
    Saltyhero13 likes this.
  3. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:12 AM
    #3
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    I use a battery terminal cleaner like the Noco below. A brass brush does great at descaling and getting back to clean terminals. Then those felt discs under the terminal and the CRC spray treatment below or equivalent to keep the corrosion away. Works pretty good. Also have kits available at local parts stores with all the stuff together.

    https://www.autozone.com/wash-clean...-ncp2-all-in-one-battery-saver-kit/257146_0_0

    D9818CCA-4A03-4FC8-9AF3-A3AB3435FA5D.jpg A43249FD-72A9-402B-8D39-57B4A06B5756.jpg
     
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  4. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:13 AM
    #4
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    KNABORES likes this.
  5. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:13 AM
    #5
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Lol. Great minds think alike.
     
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  6. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:15 AM
    #6
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    In a pinch you can use baking soda and seltzer. Mix it together and pour it over the terminal.
     
    ATV25 likes this.
  7. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:15 AM
    #7
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Or Coca Cola.
     
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  8. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:16 AM
    #8
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    None
    Sounds like a party!
     
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  9. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:17 AM
    #9
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    That could do damage to the paint.:notsure:
     
  10. Jan 22, 2023 at 9:24 AM
    #10
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    It's for the battery not the paint, good Sir.
     
  11. Jan 22, 2023 at 10:03 AM
    #11
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    I'm talking about the paint in the engine bay.
     
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  12. Jan 22, 2023 at 10:14 AM
    #12
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    I'm aware. It was my poor attempt at levity.
     
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  13. Jan 22, 2023 at 10:19 AM
    #13
    NewImprovedRon

    NewImprovedRon New Old Guy

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    Clean your battery terminals and then coat with Fluid Film. Does a great job.
     
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  14. Jan 22, 2023 at 10:20 AM
    #14
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    :thumbsup:
     
  15. Jan 23, 2023 at 10:34 AM
    #15
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    Anyway to seal the posts better? I have a good battery but no matter how much I clean it and spray protector on it, it sprouts a tremendous amount of corrosion within a month.
     
  16. Jan 23, 2023 at 10:43 AM
    #16
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Maybe it's a small crack or broken seal where the post goes through the case or housing causing a leak??? Sometimes people tap on em a bit too hard.
     
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  17. Jan 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM
    #17
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    Those felt thingy’s
     
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  18. Jan 23, 2023 at 11:39 AM
    #18
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Any chance the battery has some warranty time left?
     
  19. Jan 23, 2023 at 11:54 AM
    #19
    matictundra

    matictundra New Member

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    It is usually cuz by an actual leak and/or out gassing...the battery case does not have an ideal seal on the post itself.
     
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  20. Jan 23, 2023 at 12:00 PM
    #20
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Take the terminals off. Use coca cola and a wire brush to clean off the terminals and posts. Rinse everything off with water. Dry everything and put the terminals back on the posts. Then spray with a protectant or use grease.
    I use Amsoil HD metal protector on them because it dries to the touch.
     
  21. Jan 23, 2023 at 12:04 PM
    #21
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    Thanks.
    Strange it's been 3 batteries in a row. I have never cleaned battery terminals more in my life. Different brands too.
     
  22. Jan 23, 2023 at 12:07 PM
    #22
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Aliens are messing with you! Even worse, they are winning!
     
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  23. Jan 23, 2023 at 12:16 PM
    #23
    matictundra

    matictundra New Member

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    Overtime; expansion, contraction and vibration break the seal. Nothing last (in this case perfectly sealed) forever.
     
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  24. Jan 23, 2023 at 12:18 PM
    #24
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    So true, even in production and transportation prior to the retail outlet. So many possibilities!
     
  25. Jan 23, 2023 at 1:22 PM
    #25
    Dirtrcr13

    Dirtrcr13 New Member

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    Use some regular ol wheel bearing grease. Take the terminal off, apply and work it in with your finger, then put the felt pad down, and coat it with grease. Its an old trick, but still works. Even on the "sealed/ maintenance free" batteries...
     
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  26. Jan 23, 2023 at 2:10 PM
    #26
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    I also use battery terminal anti corrosion fiber washers.
     
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  27. Jan 23, 2023 at 2:26 PM
    #27
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    Thanks. I will try this.
     
  28. Jan 23, 2023 at 7:58 PM
    #28
    Redline870

    Redline870 New Member

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    I see a lot of not so good advice in here. Don’t use baking soda and water, if that gets in the vents it will neutralize the sulfuric acid inside the battery cells and kill it. Use dedicated CRC battery corrosion cleaner and terminal protector like @KNABORES suggested. Also, don’t leave the car running and disconnect the battery and then reconnect it. That can cause a sudden power surge and damage PCMs, BCMs, etc.

    To answer your question on why it’s on the negative terminal, that’s generally as a result of battery undercharging. Conversely, corrosion on the positive terminal is generally sue to battery overcharging.
     

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