Battery problem [Toyota Camry]

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From: cicada on 18 Aug 2008 18:24

I have this Interstate battery installed 3 years ago. Its label says
it's good for 64 months. Now it's only been 36 months. I jump-
started my car yesterday and drove it on local streets for about 20
minutes. I assume that's enough to recharge it. But today my car is
dead again.

Since I know nothing about cars. I have some questions to ask. 1st,
please take a look at the picture that I linked, is that a maintenance-
free battery?

http://i37.tinypic.com/29osrvr.jpg

2nd. On the nagative terminal (right), there is some brownish bubble-
like stuff. Is that corrosion? Should I wipe the terminal clean?

3rd, I'm reading battery maintenance online right now. They all say
check to see if the battery has low fluid level. If it's not
maintenance-free kind, I assume the two black pieces on top of this
battery are the caps I should remove and take a peek inside. Right?

4th, How much distilled water should I add? Where do I get distilled
water?

That's probably too many questions asked here. And you might suggest
just go get a new battery. But it'll help me to learn a bit about
*cars*. Thanks.

From: Mark A on 18 Aug 2008 18:45

"cicada" <ryinmail(a)gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f9501c2f-886f-47cf-b21f-d94ac1a28c7c(a)y38g2000hsy.googlegroups.com...
>I have this Interstate battery installed 3 years ago. Its label says
> it's good for 64 months. Now it's only been 36 months. I jump-
> started my car yesterday and drove it on local streets for about 20
> minutes. I assume that's enough to recharge it. But today my car is
> dead again.
>
> Since I know nothing about cars. I have some questions to ask. 1st,
> please take a look at the picture that I linked, is that a maintenance-
> free battery?
>
> http://i37.tinypic.com/29osrvr.jpg
>
> 2nd. On the nagative terminal (right), there is some brownish bubble-
> like stuff. Is that corrosion? Should I wipe the terminal clean?

You need to clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use
an old toothbrush and wash it off with lots of plain tap water. Do this on
both terminals.

> 3rd, I'm reading battery maintenance online right now. They all say
> check to see if the battery has low fluid level. If it's not
> maintenance-free kind, I assume the two black pieces on top of this
> battery are the caps I should remove and take a peek inside. Right?

The term maintenance free is a croc (except for a few completely sealed
batteries). After you clean the terminals and thoroughly wash the top of
battery with lots of clean tap water, you should open the caps and fill with
distilled water only. Make absolutely sure you only add a little at a time
and do not overfill. If you overfill and water spills out, you will have
batter acid on the top of the battery which can cause problems for you and
your battery. It is best to use a turkey baster to make sure you only add
what is needed.

> 4th, How much distilled water should I add? Where do I get distilled
> water?

You can get distilled water at any grocery or discount store where they sell
water by the gallon. Should cost about $1.00. But only add water if the
water level has gone below the level of the metal plates (or is just barely
over the metal plates). Do not overfill.

From: JM on 18 Aug 2008 19:17

"cicada" <ryinmail(a)gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f9501c2f-886f-47cf-b21f-d94ac1a28c7c(a)y38g2000hsy.googlegroups.com...
>I have this Interstate battery installed 3 years ago. Its label says
> it's good for 64 months. Now it's only been 36 months. I jump-
> started my car yesterday and drove it on local streets for about 20
> minutes. I assume that's enough to recharge it. But today my car is
> dead again.
>
> Since I know nothing about cars. I have some questions to ask. 1st,
> please take a look at the picture that I linked, is that a maintenance-
> free battery?
> *cars*. Thanks.

Hi.

For sure clean up the battery connectors and the connector that's
attached to the leads.

Regarding Maintenance free batteries.
Like another has said " that's a crock"
That's not a UK expression but I understand it.

When I was working ( retired now ) I was responsible for Patient Ventilators
fitted to S.C.B.U ( Special Care Baby Units )
These were sent out in an ambulance to collect premature babies some
weighing
way less that 2 KG.
Running from 12 volt car batteries.

The batteries were checked EVERY week.
They were marked Maintenance Free.

But I was told by a MAJOR battery supplier.
POP the top covers, check fluid levels, like you did in the old days.
They did need topped up from time to time.

The original Panasonic battery on my 1995 CAMRY bought from new
lasted an unbelievable 9 and a half year.
Cost from TOYOTA to replace like for like was near US$600.!!!!!!!!!!

I put a standard one in..Major manufacturer its at 3 and a half years now
60 months warranty. Its cost was US�90.

Fingers crossed.
It could be of course that your alternator requires attention.

Johnny UK

From: M.Balarama on 18 Aug 2008 19:23

From: johngdole on 18 Aug 2008 20:33

It's probably the intense heat in the engine compartment that's
shortening the life of the battery. I do change out the battery every
5-6 years no questions asked. Because the cost of an alternator is
much more than a good Johnson Controls Inc battery sold under Autozone
(Gold line), WalMart (~$45), Interstate, even Toyota.

I'll stay away from Exide, those don't seem to last as long. Go for AC
Delco Maintenance Free, these are pretty good for about $80--90. But
these Delcos 24Fs are hard to find.

Like others said:

1. Where do you live? A hot climate can shorten the life of the
battery.
2. You need to periodically clean the terminals. Looks like heat is
boiling the acid out of the battery (vapor) and collecting onto the
terminals.
3. How's your alternator? Diode bridge all working? Voltage regulation
working? Parts stores like NAPA and Autozone do free tests.
4. Do you have a heat shield around the battery? It helps prolong the
life of the battery.
5. Sounds like you are experiencing failure #4 below

One thing, maintenance free batteries have different plate alloy that
out gasses less. So there is less electrolyte loss - doesn't mean none
under high heat, but there is a difference.

Interstate Batteries FAQ you probably already read:
http://www.batteries-faq.com/activekb/questions.php?questionid=6

What are the most common causes of premature battery failures?
http://www.batteries-faq.com/activekb/questions.php?questionid=8
1. Deep discharges (leaving your lights on)
2. Misapplication
3. Using an undersized battery
4. Loss of electrolyte due to under-hood heat or overcharging
5. Undercharging or loose alternator belt
6. Excessive vibration (due to loose hold down clamp)
7. Corrosion
8. Freezing

On Aug 18, 3:24 pm, cicada <ryinm...(a)gmail.com> wrote:
> I have this Interstate battery installed 3 years ago. Its label says
> it's good for 64 months. Now it's only been 36 months. I jump-
> started my car yesterday and drove it on local streets for about 20
> minutes. I assume that's enough to recharge it. But today my car is
> dead again.
>
> Since I know nothing about cars. I have some questions to ask. 1st,
> please take a look at the picture that I linked, is that a maintenance-
> free battery?
>
> http://i37.tinypic.com/29osrvr.jpg
>
> 2nd. On the nagative terminal (right), there is some brownish bubble-
> like stuff. Is that corrosion? Should I wipe the terminal clean?
>
> 3rd, I'm reading battery maintenance online right now. They all say
> check to see if the battery has low fluid level. If it's not
> maintenance-free kind, I assume the two black pieces on top of this
> battery are the caps I should remove and take a peek inside. Right?
>
> 4th, How much distilled water should I add? Where do I get distilled
> water?
>
> That's probably too many questions asked here. And you might suggest
> just go get a new battery. But it'll help me to learn a bit about
> *cars*. Thanks.

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