Can't get battery terminal off post! Help!

[denisond3]

Thanks for the feedback, and glad that you got it solved.

[badpoor]

I had this same issue with my 96 wagon....battery was bad so I just cut cables and put new ones on like you have.

[paqman]

Originally Posted by Intuit

Can't necessarily recommend it, (because aluminum isn't the best conductor,) but what I've been doing for several years and works for me is covering the battery posts in a thin layer of aluminum foil, then with the terminals on, cover with a little oil, then sprinkle baking soda on the posts which sticks to the oil. (the battery vapors and air-exposure seem to largely be responsible for the terminals' corrosion) Never have to clean the battery posts this way.

The batteries I've had used to (somehow) leak a lot of acid, rusting out my battery tray bolts and everything below so I grabbed a plastic bag from one of the chicken places (designed for HOT foods,) put some baking soda in the bottom, and put my battery in the bag. (Photo Link) Never seal the bag or block the vents however. Using the bag to cover negative post seems to really slow corrosion.

Thanks for the tips. I'm gonna keep a close eye on this one, and if it starts corroding at all again, I'll try out some of your methods. It's gonna be time for a new battery soon anyway, and when it is, I'm thinking new cables will be in order anyway. That negative cable was corroded down so far, I couldn't find clean cable. The problem is, the cable just goes a short length where it is connected to some crimped connection that's hooked to the frame of the car, so I'm not exactly sure how to replace the cable, cause I'm not sure how to recreate that crimp connection.

[RaffiBaghdo]

Originally Posted by paqman

So the negative terminal on my 97 ford escort was all corroded. I cleaned it up a bit with some baking soda and water. But I really should replace the cable end. However, it looks like the bolt has fused itself with the nut, and it is not going ANYWHERE. In fact, the bottom of the nut has broke off, and it's just not coming off. I tried cutting the bolt with a dremel, but it looks like it's been melted around the terminal, meaning, it is not going to help cutting it off. So any ideas how I can get this thing off? The battery itself seems to be fine, so if at all possible, I'd rather not replace the battery. But if I have to, I could cut the cables and just get a new battery. However, that brings up one other problem...

There is a little electrical connector connected directly to the negative terminal, and I'm not sure how to get it off either. I've scoured the web looking for these cables and can't find them anywhere. I may go to the pick n pull soon, but not sure how successful I'll be there. I just need some help how to remedy this situation. Here are some pics to illustrate:

Here is the terminal, with evidence of my dremmel attempt (sorry, they're huge):

And here is a pic of the little cable connector coming off the terminal:

Have you tried the old flat head screwdriver and hammer trick? It worked for my Escort

Edit: Didnt read but congrats on fixing it lol

[paqman]

Originally Posted by RaffiBaghdo

Have you tried the old flat head screwdriver and hammer trick? It worked for my Escort

Edit: Didnt read but congrats on fixing it lol

Lol thanks.