Truck sat for two weeks. This morning it was dead. I jump started it with jumper cables and got it running. Few questions. The battery on the drivers side has corrosion around the ground connector. I cleaned it off a year ago and it is back. What causes the corrosion? Do I need to replace both batteries? Or should I have them tested and see if one is good? What batteries should I buy and is there anyplace that stands out that sells batteries for a good price?

 

While many lead acid batteries will cause corrosion to some degree, if one is corroding repeatedly, the electrolyte may be overfilled, the charging system may be charging at too high a voltage, or, most commonly, the seals where the post protrudes through the case may be leaking. When I encounter one of mine causing corrosion, I try to get it out of there pretty quick before it starts damaging the cables, and other stuff.

I've found some brands seem to be more prone to leakage and corrosion than others; I have never had much luck with Exide. Not sure which manufacturer makes most NAPA batteries, but I've had good luck with those keeping clean.

Also, there are lots of AGM batteries on the market lately, such as Optima, Odyssey, and some of the higher end Sears batteries. They are a good choice for those who want to keep the connections clean and dry.

 

They say if you change one, change them both.

 

Clean the battery posts and connections on both batteries, and drive it.

IF you change batteries, replace both. One bad battery will kill the other.

 

I've been happy with the Sears Die Hard Platinums Group 65 I installed not long ago. They'll go on sale here and there and you can get out of there for under $400.

 

Thanks for the info guys. What is the best thing to use to clean the terminals? Last time I used baking soda and water. Wow $400 is a good price? I knew they were going to be expensive, but not that expensive.

 

Baking soda mixed with water into a paste is what I use to clean last time since the terminals had really grown acid corrosion. Let it set for a few minutes then hose off.

Before you reconnect the new terminals, run a brush through the clamps to get fresh metal.

I suggest a spray costing once it is all hooked up. I didn't do that and mine got new corrosion I have to go in there and clean out all over again

 

your local Costco sells interstate batteries, at about 90 bucks a pop, with a great warranty.

 

I believe those Diehard Platinums are the AGM type batteries I mentioned. They do cost quite a bit more, but they usually make up for it with longer lifespan, no acid leakage/corrosion, etc.

 

The Diehard Platinums are rebadged Odyssey batteries which are the AGM type. They are also manufactured in the USA by the parent company Enersys. I have purchased them for 157.00 each on sale at Sears. They are definitely worth the cost.

 

Best deal on batteries I found was at the Dodge dealer. They had Motocraft batts with a great warranty. Paid $260 for both installed.

 

As of yesterday, according to my local Interstate dealer, literally right around the corner from ny house, the Costco batteries can only be warrantied at Costco (23 months into a 30 month free replacement) . I returned the same sarcastic smile and and said "guess what battery will never be under the hood of any of my vehicles again". Off to NAPA I went. 2 Legend 75's and still cheeper than Costco, a whole lot quicker in and out and there's a bunch more NAPA's around if I do have a issue when out and about.
If I had known about the Interstate/ Costco "fiasco" in the beginning I would of never bought them to begin with.

 

So instead of getting free replacements from Costco you paid $$ for new batteries??

 

Coca cola works well for eliminating corrosion. Pour on, wait, rinse off.
Most common as said above is the seal around the posts leaking.
I sealed that up with some gasket sealant on my old batteries. Worked well for a couple years actually. Finally replaced the batteries at about 7 yrs old.

 

Trip to Costco and back, 2 hrs minimum. Pay for another membership renewal that won't get used. Warranty only good at Costco which is only in a major metropolitan area. Closet one to where I call home (not where we're currently spending a lot of our time) is a 2 hr drive.
Trip to my locally owned NAPA and back, 30 minutes. Warranty good at any NAPA and they are everywhere (20 minute drive from even my house).
Saying no to manufactures and retailers putting out krap sub brands and spending what little bit of free time I have with my family, priceless.

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