Recently did some long-needed maintenance cleaning off my 93 Sentra battery terminals (which were HIGHLY corroded). Used baking soda, wirebrush, etc.
Turns out the connectors at the terminals were broken/split and even missing a little bit (instead of forming a nice circle around the terminal, one had a gap). Started up the car and all seemed fine, so went about my life.
BUT... ever since, my car stalls out completely (warning lights, no power, no steering), usually when I slow down and am downshifting. Any idea why??? Do I need to buy new battery terminal connectors or wires to the battery? I know nothing about this stuff, so if you can give me specific part names that would be great. THANX!
Wait... do you mean I need new CONNECTOR wires/ends to the battery terminals? The battery terminals aren't split, the round things that go around them are...
Originally posted by Bekka Why would you say alternator or battery replacement?
Everything was just fine until I cleaned the battery terminals...
(Part of my concern is that I was just getting ready to replace this car anyway and don't want to put money into it.)
Oh ok...let me read it again!
How did you clean the battery?
Did you disconnect the battery before cleaning it?
And did you notice any sparks or anything else out of the ordinary?
__________________
Electrical Engineer in da his house.
"If you eliminate the impossible then whatever left, however improbable must be the truth!"
Yes, disconnected the battery terminal completely, then cleaned terminals, then reconnected. No sparks or problems.
More info: About a month before doing this I also had the catalytic converter replaced... had a broken flange under the engine that was rewelded and they recommended doing the converter as well since it was original (111,000 miles) and they were concerned blockage could blow out flange again. I did notice bit of power loss/sluggishness after the converter was replaced and don't know if that has anything to do with this issue... but now you know the full context.
I'm still thinking it is the alternator...
I don't see any other reason other than that.
It could be possible that your alternator was damaged by some other means...
__________________
Electrical Engineer in da his house.
"If you eliminate the impossible then whatever left, however improbable must be the truth!"
I just replaced my battery connectors this morning on my truck. The ends were corroded and powdery. I purchased some replacement connectors but had to strip the other wires that connected on the Pos + side. They all were connected via stock connector that was covered in battery goo as well. I suppose that if one of those wires on the positive side was corroded badly enough, not enough power would get through it. If that's not it, try taking your vehicle to an AutoZone or other place that can test your alternator and battery for free. That at least would narrow everything down. Just a few thoughts that I hope can help...
93 Sentra Stalling... Battery?
Linear Mode
