Battery Cleaning and Inspection

CLEANING

The following information details the recommended cleaning procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules for gasoline engines or for diesel engines, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.




1. Clean the battery cable terminal clamps (2) of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush or a post and terminal cleaning tool (1), and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.

2. Clean the battery tray and battery holddown hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any exposed bare metal.




3. If the removed battery is to be reinstalled, clean the outside of the battery case (3) and the top cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution (2) using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush (1) to remove any acid film. Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells through the vent holes. Confirm that the replacement battery is the correct size and has the correct ratings for the vehicle.

4. Clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film.




5. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal cleaner (1), and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.