battery post corrosion

[dragan54]

I have a 04 ram 2500. I went out to start it after setting for 3 weeks. Batteries dead. Not even a click. So I started to put chargers on them and saw that 1 battery (passenger side) the posts were more corroded then the other. The bolt holding one post on was eaten clear threw and it looked like the was some arcing.



Is this normal? I can't imagine it is. Any direction or culprit I should look at?



Thanks in advance for the help

 

[jelag]

Batteries gas off during the charging process... . it used to be that you'd install a barrier (no co washers) to prevent the gas from coming past the post and corroding the connections... as battery construction improved the barrier and other protection went by the wayside... I'm guessing is that you one battery with a bad seal around the post and that's your problem. . You also might one battery that's starting to fail... . and its gassing off at a rate the seal at the post can't control...

Just my thoughts...

 

[Blu-meanie]

Arcing + hydrogen gas = explosion. I wouldn't mess with them, remove and replace asap. Speaking of messes, battery explosions make a real mess, especially if you are standing over them.

 

[Shadrach]

I use those treated felt washers on the posts and it seems to help. David

 

[Simplysmn]

dump a can of Coke on the top and watch what happen's to the acid It's Amazing

 

[B.G. Smith]

If you will check occasionally and wash off the top of the batteries when they begin to get damp looking it will help. That electrolite is conductive and if enough is on top it can run the batteries down over time plus corrode the terminals. bg

 

[BK]

all of the above...

You must replace the batteries in pairs... trying to replace just one = very early death for the new one.

Are they the Original batteries?

If so, they owe you nothing, 4-5 years is about it. . anything over that and it's cash on the bank on that set.

 

[DennyDay]

If you will check occasionally and wash off the top of the batteries when they begin to get damp looking it will help. That electrolite is conductive and if enough is on top it can run the batteries down over time plus corrode the terminals. bg

Try using a little baking soda with the rinse, also be sure to flush with plenty of fresh water so the battery rack doesn't get eaten up with rust

 

[DClark]

Arcing + hydrogen gas = explosion. I wouldn't mess with them, remove and replace asap. Speaking of messes, battery explosions make a real mess, especially if you are standing over them.

I was traveling this summer with my brother-in-law (has an '06 mega cab) He stopped for fuel and was complaining about the rotten egg smell. I walked by the front of the truck and it was very strong. Popped the hood and one battery was off gasing and was very hot. The other was cool as a cucumber. I told him that he needed new batteries RIGHT NOW. He parked it in the parking lot and we went to town in my rig and bought new batteries. I told him he was close to an explosion.

DClark

 

[dragan54]

Thank you so much for your input. It is much appreciated. Here is what has happened. I cleaned all the posts and cables. I charged the batters overnight. I started and drove about 1 mile and the message came to check gauges. The alternator gauge had dropped to zero. The three wires that attach to the passenger side battery on the positive post have signs of being very hot. what do these wires go to? Bad batteries, bad ground, a short or alternator

any help as to what to look for

Thanks