TXSM868

Happy New Year!

Anyone has suggestions about getting rid of battery terminal corrosions? I have some greyish stuff around the battery terminals on my 2012 RX 350. I want to loosen the terminal clamps and clean them thoroughly (using Coke or whatever), but am afraid that I would lose my memory settings on seat position, preset radios etc..

Any idea on how to somehow 'save' these settings before I disconnect the battery? Or do I have to take it to the dealership? I would prefer to do it myself since the nearest dealership is 2-hour away.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

If you have a jump starter with a 12v output, you can get something like this to plug into your car's OBD2 port:

Clutchless

You should use one of these to clean it rather than pouring Coke all over it and making a mess. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/l...rminal+cleaner

I changed my battery and did not lose any settings. I think if you worked fast while disconnecting and cleaning one terminal at a time that you will not lose any memory settings. It only takes a few seconds to clean them with the tool. It has an internal brush to clean the battery terminal and an external brush to clean the cable ends. Any auto parts store will have one and they are usually under $10

fastnoypi

i use this $2 HF brush set http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece...set-93610.html and a little baking soda to clean terminals. Just rinse the battery and surroundings with water when done and smear the terminals with a dab of grease to slow the corrosion buildup down.

The corrosion is the result of gases coming from the battery acid. If there's a way to give more ventilation to the area it will reduce/eliminate the buildup.

mic575

Yes, use a wire brush and if you have a lot of buildup the baking soda will work well - 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon warm water. Then wipe it dry and coat terminal and post with a thin coat of grease. Also, at the auto parts store they have felt battery post toppers, green and red, usually like a $1.50 for a pack. It seems silly but they do work to prevent further buildup.

If you don't want to get the wire brush you could also do the baking soda and use a toothbrush, it should take it off. Though don't use the toothbrush on your teeth after that - this is poor form.

Its a good idea keep these clean, the corrosion can rob you of cranking amps and shorten the life of your battery, and worst case leave you stranded sometime. If you do it once right you shouldn't have to do it again.

Yurka

I changed my battery two weeks ago and I didn't lose any settings, except for my vehicle maintenance file was wiped, like place where you can put down how many miles you have to the tires, oil etc, that bounced down to 0.

TXSM868

Thanks for your tips!

I cleaned the terminal this weekend, according to the suggestions - using baking soda and adding a 'red' felt ring I bought from Walmart. I didn't lose any settings, except for my vehicle's clock - it's back to 2:12. No idea why it's that particular number, as I thought it would go to 12 or 00.

Anyway, all's good. Saved a trip to the dealership.