2001 Kia Sportage Battery

CASEYKELLE

MEMBER
2001 KIA SPORTAGE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
10,000 MILES

My question is, I put a new battery in my Kia and I still need a jump sometimes. I have an acid build up around my terminals, I keep using coke to clean it off but what is causing this? I also have new terminals. Why would I still need a jump, could it be the alternator?

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

When you replaced the terminals, did you also clean the cables so there are free of the white corrosive materials. The corrosion on battery terminals is almost as cancer, you can't really clean it and expect it to go away. You really have to clean the wires all the way. If you can't clean them, you may have to consider replacing the cable. Also, make sure that the terminals are tight on the battery. You may also want to bring the vehicle back to where you purchased the battery from, and have them test your electrical system, just to be sure.

Did you see the battery light on the dash ON while you are driving? If it is, chances are your alternator. If not, it is possibly faulty battery or bad connection due to corrosion, or possibly loose connection.