Battery System: Cleaning

The following information details the recommended cleaning procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules found in this service article, (Refer to MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ) it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.

Fig 1: Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal Clamps

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1. Clean the battery cable terminal clamps (2) of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush or cleaning tool (1), and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.
2. Clean the battery tray and battery holddown hardware using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.
   Fig 2: Cleaning Outside Of Battery Case And Top Cover

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
3. If the removed battery is to be reinstalled, clean the outside of the battery case and the top cover (3) 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. If the battery is being replaced, (Refer to ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - SPECIFICATIONS)  for the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm that the replacement battery is the correct size and has the correct ratings for the vehicle.
   Fig 3: Cleaning Battery Terminals

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals with a wire brush or terminal cleaner (1), and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.