Stupid questions about my battery

This isn't specific to second gens but that's what I own so I'll post it here.
Both of the terminals are very corroded because the truck has been sitting for a while, is there any reason I can't dip the terminals in vinegar overnight? Will it harm anything?
Also, after dipping them in vinegar can I clean them with soap and a hose? The whole area around the battery is pretty gunked up and I want to clean the whole thing with soap and water. I'm pretty sure it's okay, but I'll double check with you guys.
Lastly, is it possible to buy only the bolt for the negative terminal ? I forget the official name of the boat, but mine is completely rusted so I need to replace it. If so, where can I get one aside from the dealership?

 

Baking soda and warm water works GREAT.
Really HOT water alone works too.

I would not soak the terminals in vinegar.
It’s kind of costic and if it creeps into the wire sheathing, it can do more damage than good in the long run.

As for the bolt. I forget off hand what it looks like.
I think it’s a square head design. Some hardware stores carry them. But not all do.
If you can get a regular bolt to fit, it will be ok. As long as it is tight.

I’ve have used soap and water to clean my battery bay.
That’s after I soaked it down with a mix of baking soda and water.
So have at it with the soap and water. It will be fine too.


BTW, you posted in the 3rd Gen section.

 

Use a can of coke a cola. It will eat every corrosion of rinse, of course remove the cables from the posts.

 

First off, shame shame shame for letting it get that bad!

I use to clean mine with good old Coca-Cola. I guess vinegar will work too but your engine bay might smell like a rotten pickle for awhile. I'm not sure soaking the terminals overnight is really necessary but I can't think of any harm it will do.

Concerning the terminal bolt, you might be able to buy a cheap replacement terminal at the auto parts store and use the hardware that comes with it.

Good luck!

 

It's easy to overthink it.
Remove connectors in proper sequence.
Remove ground/negative first then positive.
Just mix a couple tablespoons of baking soda and a couple cups of water in a container you're going to throw away.
I use old peanut butter, margarine, or large yogurt containers. Use disposable gloves (covid 19 type) and use eye protection.
Wipe off terminals and connectors with solution using old toothbrush or disposable cloth.
Rinse off with clear water using new cloth.
Coat terminals and posts with a LIGHT coating of dielectric grease if available or if not even "vaseline" .
Reconnect positive then negative snugly and stop worrying.
P.S. Coca Cola or any Cola drink is for rum

 

Terminals of lead/acid batteries become corroded because the battery is sulfating...it can be likely going bad.

 

And speak of the devil. My battery just died and couldn't find jumper cables or a jump pack any where. I checked the battery and all holes are full. The positive cable is corroded af. I had to use a pry bar to get the connection loose and off. Cleaned it all off and put the positive terminal back on. She started up.
(Not a toyota battery)

 

You buy a puller to make that job much easier.

For example:

$19 GEARWRENCH Battery Terminal Puller - 202D

https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-2...t=&hvlocphy=9019558&hvtargid=pla-449070578826

And also sell tools to clean the post.

$5 Schumacher BAF-B1 Battery Terminal Cleaning Brush

https://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-BAF-BI-Terminal-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0060YHP62?hvadid=241914879076&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13622652673435156525&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019558&hvtargid=pla-437108174377

I’ve had both tools in my toolbox for many many years.

 

Thank you.
I have a ton of tools, but don't carry everything

 

What Buck said...every line. PM prevents PIA

 

Lol, battery maintenance does not get much love these days! One can keep them looking good and performing top notch with minimal cost and effort!

 

Like others said
Battery grease will help prevent this next time. I would not use vinegar.

 

Coke = acid (phosphoric acid)
Vinegar = acid
Acids will clean the corrosion off the terminals and cable ends, but will continue to corrode, which is exactly what you want to prevent.
It needs to be neutralized, hence the use of baking soda.
A strong solution of baking soda and water will clean the terminals and cable ends all by itself and not promote further immediate oxidation
Brush or pour on the terminals and dip the cable ends into the solution.

To prevent the green growth or oxidation, liberally coat the connections with any type of grease so as to not leave any bare spots.
It is the oxidation (contact with air etc.) that promotes the green growth and loss of electrical continuity
I personally use copper antiseize and have never had a problem.

 

If it’s a sealed battery and you’re getting corrosion it’s probably acid seeping up between the post and the battery case.
Whatever you decide on to coat the terminals should be applied around the base of the terminal post where it meets the plastic case before the terminal goes on.
I swear by this stuff…. your parts store sells it…..one can goes a long way.

 

I’ve been using the little red and green felt washers for about 30 years. I also use the battery terminal, corrosion spray, the red protectant. I haven’t had a battery terminal corrode since I’ve been using this stuff

 

Living in Wisconsin has me coating battery and other connections with dielectric grease. Tends to keep those connections clean for a long time.

 

Or you can get an AGM battery. Never had any terminal corrosion on any of them..... Only on the old style lead acid ones.

 

This^^^^^^^^^^^ You don't clean acid with acid. And +1 on the Coke!

 

On new vehicles or battery replacements, I smear clear RTV silicone sealant around the base of both terminals. No sulfating problems after using this process for years.