Battery Terminal Corrosion

While attempting to wire an amplifier for my subs (didn't get to do because of this) I popped the hood to look at the battery. The cap had come off the positive terminal and their was acid/corrosion/junk all around the bolt to hold it in. The red plastic piece around that had expanded, too, and the cap will not fit back on. Could this be a sign of a bad battery? Will I need to replace the whole clamp so that I can get the cap back on? Thanks.

i have a 2000 Olds Intrigue. I replaced my battery two years ago.

Car just wouldn't start one day.

I first started by checking the terminals on the battery and to try cleaning the positive since there was some corrosion.

The positive terminal actually broke off the battery when i tried to remove the cable. That's how much corrosion there was. Then battery acid started flowing out the broken terminal like a faucet.

Lesson: Make sure you have all the right stuff to neutralize battery acid. Wear the right clothing and protection.

I think my battery should probably have been replaced a year or two earlier. Which seems a bit premature. After that experience, my AC Delco battery opinion really went down the tubes. Just a real mess to clean up all that acid.

Hmmmm. That doesn't sound like fun. I'm hoping that's not what I have wrong. I did want to wire my subs up this week, but it looks like I'll wait. I have an oil change in a week and a half and I'll ask the dealer to clean it off (so I don't run into problems). If the battery is bad, I don't have a problem replacing it with another AC Delco, as the thing is 6 years old and has lasted quite well. BTW, I know it sounds pathetic going to the dealer for something so simple as cleaning battery terminals and an oil change, but they have very good rates and do great work and it's perfect for someone without the time or the tools.

many advance auto parts and autozones will check your battery for free.

That way you can get an idea of the condition of the battery and then decide what you're going to do.

Hmmmm. That doesn't sound like fun. I'm hoping that's not what I have wrong. I did want to wire my subs up this week, but it looks like I'll wait. I have an oil change in a week and a half and I'll ask the dealer to clean it off (so I don't run into problems). If the battery is bad, I don't have a problem replacing it with another AC Delco, as the thing is 6 years old and has lasted quite well. BTW, I know it sounds pathetic going to the dealer for something so simple as cleaning battery terminals and an oil change, but they have very good rates and do great work and it's perfect for someone without the time or the tools.
i would also recomend stopping buy an auto parts store, like autozone. they bring the equipment right out to your car and test your battery and alternator.

another thing could be happening is the alt. putting out more amps than the battery can handle.

scrapper....