What is the Battery Terminal Ends all about?
Your car’s battery plays a significant role during cranking and there must be a way to get electricity from the battery to the starter and spark plugs. This is done with battery cables; there are two that connect to the battery -- one to the positive terminal and one to the negative terminal. Battery terminal ends are nothing more than clamps. They connect the cables to the terminals and hold them there securely.
Over time, battery terminal ends will corrode, particularly if you don’t have regular maintenance performed on the battery. Both the terminals and ends should be cleaned regularly to remove corrosion and build up.
If a terminal end fails, the cable will come loose from the battery. This will result in no electricity during starting. If the car isn’t already running, it will not crank. If the terminal end fails while driving, the car will continue to operate, but it will not crank again after being turned off.
Keep in mind:
- Battery terminal ends should be inspected during all regular maintenance services.
- Battery terminal ends should be properly maintained to prolong their life and avoid issues with corrosion.
How it's done:
- The battery is located. The battery terminal ends are verified that they need to be replaced. The battery terminals are disconnected.
- The defective battery terminal ends are removed by cutting the cables or unbolting the connections.
- The battery terminals are cleaned. The new battery terminal ends are installed onto the cables and reconnected to the battery.
- The battery terminal ends are tightened to the battery and coated with a battery protection spray.
- The vehicle is tested for proper operation of the battery terminal ends by starting engine.
Our recommendation:
Battery terminal ends are critical components of your vehicle's charging system. They ensure that the battery stays connected to the system, providing electricity for cranking and allowing the battery to recharge while the alternator is running. Over time, corrosion can eat into the metal, eventually compromising your battery terminal ends. Have your terminal ends professionally inspected and maintained at all regular service intervals.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Battery Terminal Ends?
- Green or white corrosion around battery terminals
- Battery light on in dashboard
- Vehicle will not crank
How important is this service?
Without a constant connection to the battery, your car will not crank. It won’t stop the engine from running, but it will prevent it from cranking after being turned off. Have your battery and battery cables maintained at all times, and the terminal ends replaced if damage is noticed.
