The wiring loom sheath underneath the battery tray got melted by the acid. Also the acid appeard to run down the loom and took out another section of the nylon sheath. The wires seem ok as the insulation wasn't soft or anything.

I removed the battery and tray, then baking soda solutioned everything in proximity until no reactions were observed. I then rinsed everything down with fresh water. Replaced the sheathing in the disintigrated areas.

Anyone have anything conclusive regarding wiring insulation vs battery acid? I sure hope this doesn't rear it's head over time.

 

Git rid off those batteries and get an ODYSSEY....... i cant find the URL, so do a search. It will be the last pair you buy.

 

Get Optimas....like the Odyessy but are supposed to be much better. Being in California you should be able to get away with just one Optima.

If the insulation appears to be ok - it likely is fine. If the acid ate through the insulation - well it would be a good excuse to upgrade your barrety cables to some HD 1.2 awg welding cable.

 

I've had a few problems show up at work over the years due to non maintained batteries. Fog lights inop, right headlamp inop, airbag light on, cruise inop, just to name a few. The acid weakens the wiring insulation causing the wire to corrode. I still have the mopar stock replacement batteries in mine and have to keep on top of them to keep them clean. If you don't want to "babysit" your batteries go with the optimas or orbitals. I'm presently "overhauling" a guys battery system at work right now. Just the cable from the right to the left battery is $150.00. Pays to keep em clean.

 

When I got my truck some acid had got on the left fender paint and damaged the paint, not bad looks like a small splatter.

When I was looking at used trucks I saw several that had acid damaged painton the front fenders,

 

You MUST be kidding?? Thats price gouging plain and simple !!

Welding cable is around $2 a foot and clamps are cheap......no wonder they call it the "s t e a l e r"...wow.

 

Gel cell batteries (Optima) are the only way to go guys. No leaks and they are 40 pounds lighter than standard batteries.

 

The charge rate on the Dodge is set for local usage. On a trip long enough to get the batteries to float, you stand a good chance of acid running down the fenders. Mine are both trashed.

Put in the Optima batteries. They accept charge to 15 volts and have no acid. (liquid) they are also smaller and lighter.