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 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE and the owner's manual, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.

1. Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution. See Fig 1.
   Fig 1: Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - Terminal Brush

   2 - Battery Cable

2. Clean the battery tray and battery holddown hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any exposed bare metal.
3. If the removed battery is to be reinstalled, clean the outside of the battery case and the top cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film. See Fig 2. Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells through the vent holes.
   Fig 2: Cleaning Battery - Typical

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - Cleaning Brush

   2 - Warm Water and Baking Soda Solution

   3 - Battery

4. Clean the battery thermowrap with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a soft bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film.
5. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Cleaning Battery Terminal Post - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.