View single post by Mark Rosenbaum
 Posted: 05-12-2005 12:47 am
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Mark Rosenbaum



Joined: 03-12-2005
Location: Kingman, Arizona USA
Posts: 532
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 Most likely, it's just oxidation and/or corrosion on one or both battery posts and/or the mating surfaces of the battery cables.  If so, then cleaning as Jim and Adam suggest will cure the problem.  This is normally done with a metal bristle brush designed for the purpose, but sandpaper or a pocket knife will also do the job.  You'll want bright shiny metal on posts and clamps -- scratches, ridges, and gouges are all OK.

If you're particularly unlucky, the battery has an internal failure and will need to be replaced.  This is particularly likely if the battery has just gone off warranty -- something like two thirds of the auto batteries I've owned over the past ten years or so have died within ten days after the warranty expired.