Battery System: Cleaning

The following information details the recommended cleaning procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules found in this service information and the owner's manual, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.

1. Clean the battery cable terminals of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush or cleaning tool and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.
2. Clean the battery tray and battery holddown hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any exposed bare metal.
3. If the removed battery is to be reinstalled, clean the outside of the battery case and the top cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film. See Fig 1. Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells through the vent holes. If the battery is being replaced, refer to BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS  for the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm that the replacement battery is the correct size and has the correct ratings for the vehicle.
   Fig 1: Cleaning Battery

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - CLEANING BRUSH

   2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

   3 - BATTERY

4. If equipped, clean the battery heater blanket with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film.
5. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals with a wire brush or terminal cleaner and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution.