- 1). Disconnect and remove the battery from the vehicle. Use the necessary wrenches to remove any mounting brackets and to loosen the negative terminal. Pull the terminal from the battery post. Only after the negative terminal has been disconnected should you disconnect the positive terminal.
- 2). Mix a solution of baking soda and water. The water can be either distilled or tap water. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir with an old toothbrush. Soak the toothbrush in the solution and use it to scrub the battery posts, as well as any other area on the battery where you notice corrosion.
- 3). Brush the battery's posts using a tool known as battery terminal/post cleaner. A terminal cleaner has an opening on one end that fits over the battery post. Use this end to brush both posts on the battery. Twist the cleaner on the posts until you're satisfied the posts are completely corrosion-free.
- 4). Wipe the automotive battery down with an old, but clean, rag. Remove any build-up of grease or grime that exists on the plastic case of the battery.
- 5). Refill the vehicle's battery with electrolytes, if necessary. Remove cap or caps on the battery in order to reveal the cells. Pour only distilled water into the refill holes if the cells are low. Add just enough distilled water to cover the plates within the cells. If you have a sealed, maintenance-free automotive battery, you will not be able to add water and must skip this step.
- 6). Restore the battery to a full charge. Connect a battery charger to the battery. Hook up the charger's negative clip/clamp first and then the positive. If necessary, turn the charger to 12-volts. After turning the charger on and plugging it in, allow the battery to fully charge. This may take a few hours or more, depending on how severely the battery has been discharged. Once the battery has been completely recharged, you may place it back into the vehicle, reversing the disconnecting procedure.
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