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 article 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

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - TERMINAL BRUSH

   2 - BATTERY CABLE

2. Clean the battery tray and battery hold down 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. If the battery is being replaced, refer to DESCRIPTION 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 2: Using Cleaning Solution to Clean Battery Components

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - CLEANING BRUSH

   2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

   3 - BATTERY

4. If the vehicle is so equipped, clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff 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 Post

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.