Installed New Battery, Now Truck Seems to Start Differently... Help....

Hey, everybody.
After noticing corrosion on my battery terminals, I decided it was time for a new battery. I cleaned the battery clamps off before connecting the new battery, and used dielectric grease to grease the terminals before putting the clamps back on. Pretty sure I did everything by the book. Anyway, the truck started up just fine, but I swear it was different. I'm not sure exactly how to describe it, but it like, didn't start up with its usual confidence if that makes any sense. Like, it almost felt sluggish or something. Then today, a few weeks into owning the new battery, I went to start my truck and the engine turned over and attempted to start running, then it seemed like it stalled for a second, and then the engine came back to life and started idling at its usual rpm. It was really strange. My truck has been running like a champ since I bought it a year ago and this is the first time it's done this. Maybe I just let off the ignition a little early or something? Any advice or input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Had the same thing happen to me from time to time. Computer hiccup maybe.

 

Gotcha. When I first started the truck with the new battery I let the truck idle for a while (I heard you're supposed to do that to let the electronics reset. Idk if it's true or not lol could be b.s.). Thanks for the feedback.

 

The computer is relearning the proper air/fuel mixtures. It will smooth out after a bit.

 

This.

You will be okay.

 

Thanks for the info, y'all. This is why I love this website lol.

 

VVV

 

I was about to point out what the quotes above say: do not use dialectric grease on battery terminals. It is an insulator - does not promote or increase conductivity. Clean it off and reconnect cables to the terminals. If you want to use it, put it on the outside of the connection once the cable is attached - not between metal connections.

 

On a side note this is worse when/if you decide to get headers. I have to press the gas pedal after disconnecting my battery to get it to idle right. Just take a 10 minute drive and things should be fine.

 

Here is a great article re: dielectric and conductive greases--it was written by a a CATV engineer, also a HAM radio operator friend of my ex-father-in-law.

 

Try cleaning the carbon buildup off your throttle body. I disconnected the battery in my stepdaughters 04 camry to clear the CEL after installing new plugs and coil pack and it would not stay running afterwards. I googled it and found the TB has carbon build up and the ECU has changed the throttle position to compensate for it over time. When you disconnect the battery it resets the computer to factory settings (before carbon build up). I took a rag and soaked it in carb cleaner and wiped it out real good and sprayed a little in TB. Started it up and runs like a champ again! Now this may not be your problem and Ive probably gotten some of the terminology incorrect...but it worked for me and im no mechanic.

 

Hey, y'all.
1. I feel like an idiot for greasing the terminals lol.
2. On a side note, the truck is starting up like a beast again.
3. Thanks for the feedback and info. This was informative.

 

While you do not want to "slather" the terminals and connector with grease, it remains that unless the terminal clamps were not sufficiently tightened the "grease" (dielectric or otherwise) is displaced and enough metal-to-metal contact is made to easily support 500+ A is made. The grease is good, it prevent corrosion caused from moisture in the air/etc. (bad) down the road (no pun intended)...

 

@cliffyk I assumed that was the case. I watched the grease get pressed out of the space between the terminals and the clamps as I tightened them down. Now that the truck's starting up like it used to, I assume it's a non issue, because if there was insufficient electrical current, I assume the sluggish starting would continue happening.