cromanyak Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I was wondering if anyone could tell me what would cause my battery cables to corrode faster than normal. About every two weeks they get to the point where they stop making contact all together. For some reason the previous owner used a huge cable for the ground. It looks like 220 wire or something. Probably just what they had laying around. Could that cause it? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Best thing you could do is replace the battery cable wiring. It is typically sold as an assembly. Many MJ's have been lost to fires from bad battery wiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromanyak Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 Is it something I could get at AutoZone? Or just get wire and make my own? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 That's also a sign of a dying battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I was wondering if anyone could tell me what would cause my battery cables to corrode faster than normal. About every two weeks they get to the point where they stop making contact all together. For some reason the previous owner used a huge cable for the ground. It looks like 220 wire or something. Probably just what they had laying around. Could that cause it? Chris The big ground wire could not cause the problem. Weak grounds are a problem with the XJ and MJ. One of the guys on NAXJA is a strong and vocal proponant of adding a welding cable to the system as a ground. Sounds like that's what was done to your vehicle. Extremely rapic corrosion at the terminals, IIRC, may be caused by excessive off-gassing of the battery. First, check the level of the electrolyte in the battery. Be sure it's properly filled. (If it needs water, use distilled water. It costs 69 cents a gallon at Wal-Mart.) Then check your alternator output. If the alternator is over-charging, you'll get more off-gassing and faster corrosion. You could also get some of those impregnated felt pads that fit under the cables, around the posts. They help -- some. I also use anti-sieze on the cable connections, as well as on the cable bolts. It seems to help. And be sure you tighten the cable bolts. If the cables aren't tight to the posts, there's more room for corrosion to take place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtdesigns Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 get some baking soda and mix with some water, then scrub the terminals,, look and see if you have any cracks around the post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicofuentes0224 Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Change the battery. I was getting real heavy corrosion around my negative post. Changed the battery cable, used a felt pad and that gel they give you and I still get the corrosion. Oh and thanks Eagle, Now I'm going to check the alternator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Is it something I could get at AutoZone? Or just get wire and make my own?You may be able to get them at an auto parts store, but I got mine at the dealership. Comes as an assembly like this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy in Maine Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Anymore when I buy a used car I just buy new 2 new replacement cables for them. Better to do it in yoru driveway than in the middle of nowhere when you really are not prepared to do it. I know I am going to have to do them eventually or they are goping to leave me stranded so I just cut to the chase and do it when I first get the car. I am using an Optima red top and don't get any of that crud on my cables. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicofuentes0224 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Is it something I could get at AutoZone? Or just get wire and make my own? I got my negative cable at Autozone, but now that I see how pretty Taz's are I might get them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comanche87 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 hey taz how much did it cost to replace the cables from the dealer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostissues Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I just replaced my cables also, I used 4 gauge car audio wire. I have to make one more to go from the alternator to the distribution point near the battery. here what mine looked like: Little dark sorry. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 hey taz how much did it cost to replace the cables from the dealer?I can get it for you for $75 + $7 shipping ;) Retails for about $115 at my dealership. Others may vary, but should be close. PM me if you wish for me to help you with it :cheers: . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I just replaced my cables also, I used 4 gauge car audio wire. I have to make one more to go from the alternator to the distribution point near the battery.here what mine looked like: Jonathan Nice work. That should last a while 8) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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