I got a new battery about 6 months ago. Today my car would not start?

COLDAW

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

Hi guys, you were so great helping me in the past. I got a new battery about 6 months ago. Today my car would not start. I remembered what I did before when my battery was dying and hit the terminal with my hand and it started. I drove home, took some stuff in the house, went to move my car to the front, no start again. Hit the terminal again and it started. So I noticed there was a bit of corrosion on the terminal and cables, so I intend to clean them, and perhaps tighten the connection. Do you have any advice? I don't have one of those fancy round cleaner things, so do I use sand paper and what grade? Do I put Vaseline on after? Do I pour warm water and baking soda over the battery? I can't be hitting it with a rock every time I need to drive so need to fix this problem. Thanks a million for your help!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

You can get a terminal cleaner at any parts store. They are really inexpensive. However, at this point, you can use a fine grade sand paper. Something like 220 grit or finer. I have also used a wire brush gently to clean the corrosion. As far as the baking soda, I know that neutralizes acidity, so it shouldn't hurt.

As far as them being tight, that is very important. The starter places a large draw on the battery. If the connection isn't good, it may not work, which is happening for you.

Just clean both the terminal on the battery and the connector where the inside attaches to the battery terminal and make sure they are tight.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe