I've been getting this oxidation crud on my negative terminal for a while now. Usually just brush it off, however this morning my Jeep won't start and just clicks. Would that have been the slow decline of my battery or could it not starting be something else.

Also only other extra hooked to the battery is a pair of KC driving lights.

 

Haha. Holy crud! Ummmm yes. I would get a new battery. REALLY CLEAN THE TERMINALS, and then make sure the cables are attached to the new battery tightly. Add a very light film of grease. Of even spray them with some kind of rattle can clear coat.

But, yeh...that's not good. Hahahahaha

 

Oh. To answer the question sort of. Again. Haha. The oxidation is caused by a bad connection. Keep them terminals really clean using a battery terminal brush. The outside of the terminal is important, but REALLY clean the post of the battery and the INSIDE of the cable connector. Both should be clean and shiny when installed and tightened. Then cover them to help prevent oxidation.

 

mix some baking powder and water in glass or a pitcher and pour it over the terminal slowly. What you have there is the result of the chemical reaction from your battery working. It is a scaly build up of acid vapor and can be neutralized and dissolved by the mix. Rinse well with clean water after and go down to the parts store and get some of that spray stuff to treat the terminals and help prevent that. Oh, and that build up is likely preventing your battery from sending enough juice to the starter. Once it's clean it may even start without needing a jump or charging.

 

And don't forget to clean the post and INSIDE of terminal. That is where the bad connection is.

 

Awesome thanks for the replies!! I get the terminal cleaned up and see if she will start. If not I'll have to get a new battery I suppose. Thanks again!!

 

I work at crown battery, and yes I can confirm that its corrosion. More than likely some acid or other corrosive got on the tterminals. Battery acid neutralizer and some good scrubbing with a terminal wire brush will do the trick.

 

Spray a quick, light coat of WD-40 on each terminal about every other oil change and you'll never see that corrosion again.

 

Clean it up and check to see if the case is cracked near the terminal. I found mine cracked after noting a bit of corrosion on the terminal. With that much crud I'd bet it's cracked.

 

Well looks like that battery had it's last breath, it's an '07 so it's had a nice life. Bought a new battery and she fired right up