Best method of replacing battery terminals?

[general lee]

Had to deal with some corrosion and some no starting condition today on my 2000 geo metro, and had to cut off my original factory connector. So what is the best way to replace that connecter and do it right for relatively cheap, and I absolutely hate the universal two bolt clamp terminals the local auto parts store has in stock so we can rule that one out. I was going to see what O'reily has tomorrow as well as the car audio store. Do you guys have any preferred methods like soldering/crimping? Also the terminal has two wires leading into it so that's something to take into consideration. Lets hear your opinions!

 

[BigSki]

My new-to-me '03 Grand Cherokee came with a hack job of a terminal replacement that I had to deal with. What I ended up doing was to get big copper lugs that snugly fit over the cable. I then coated the bare cable with flux, then used vise grips to hold the lug while I heated it with a propane cylinder torch while I melted solder inside of the end that fits over the cable.

Once I got the cavity filled with molten solder, I quickly slipped the cable into the terminal end and let it solidify for about a minute. After it completely cooled I slipped a piece of shrink tubing over the joint and shrunk it with a heat gun. It looked good and it was completely functional. I made a total of 4, the Jerp had 2 main cables molded into each stock battery terminal.

Once I had all 4 done, I had to use those universal battery terminals that the parts stores sell, but I bolted the new terminal ends to the bolts at the end that normally are used to clamp a cable into the terminal.

Hope this makes sense. "thumbsup"

 

[Mr.Slave]

they made geo metros in 2000?!?!

 

[RiceBurner]

Personally I would get a new cable with the end on it. A corroded end usually has gotten things hot and built up resistance in the cable.

 

[hellbounder]

Use 14 gauge wire and some deans connecters. It'll be over kill but it'll last awhile ."thumbsup"

 

[Calderwood]

When wiring the race cars we always crimped and soldered the ring terminals.

 

[EeePee]

they made geo metros in 2000?!?!

Let alone he admitted to having one!

New cable is the right way to go about a repair, as the corrosion also worked its way down the cable. I bought a new Yellow Optima and after a week the negative terminal had a huge blue ball of corrosion on it that was so gnarly it acted as a barrier and didn't conduct electricity. At least once a week for two months I had to open the hood and knock the stuff off to get it to start. Still happens, as I'm a lazy bastard that insists things repair themselves, but I haven't had to open the hood in a few months. My poor car, I need to tend to it better...

 

[BJoe]

Use 14 gauge wire and some deans connecters. It'll be over kill but it'll last awhile ."thumbsup"

Being a Geo Metro, thar might just work:ror:

 

[RcBro]

Get a proper 4 gauge or 1awg ring terminal. Which ever is large enough for the wires you need. Air crimping is nice, however soldering is fine assuming you get good penetration. A good torch works best. Then Heat shrink and get some new bolt on terminals for the battery.

Do it all the time.

 

[BigSki]

RcBros pic shows what I was trying to communicate. :mrgreen:

 

[z50king]

You can buy those ends at auto parts stores. Tell them what car you have and they can look up which one you need. You'll need to strip the end and hope the cable is still long enough

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

 

[thecrusader]

Corrosion is a killer in any elec system.Your really need to cut it back and make sure there is new wire to use.
Soldering is the best bet for sure but crimping can be fine too. All terminals need to be clean to work.When you
get everything clean,soldered/crimped whatever make sure the battery posts are clean too.Buy one of the
battery brushes because sand paper and other things can put small dents in the posts and make it corrode again.

I buy stuff that goes over battery terminals and protects them from corrosion.(provided it's all clean to
begin with.) It sprays on purple and looks like gunk but it prevents oxygen and dirt and crap getting to the
terminals.I use this on all my 4wds and works great.Keeps the terminals and posts like new.

Just had a look it's called Battery Protector and Sealer,mine came in a small aerosol can from an auto shop.