11' Battery acid build up? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Limited11 · 12-11-2011, 08:17 PM

Well since today was a nice day I decided to detail the inside of my highlander and clean under the hood. When I lifted the hood and looked near the battery area I noticed the hold-down bar that goes across the top of the battery to have a decent amount of that whitish build-up of battery acid on it. The + terminal has nothing on it and the - terminal has a very slight build-up. My truck has 9900 miles on it and I don't think there should be any build-up at all. Is this normal? Does anyone know what causes this? Should I bring it to the attention of the dealer?

Ralph6410 · 12-11-2011, 10:06 PM

It should not be happening.. but it is quite common. A little baking soda and water solution will clean it off. I have always speculated that this is the result of some minor leakage of electricity due to dirt / contamination on the post. I have always felt it to be a cosmetic problem..

***TrailDust*** · 12-11-2011, 10:57 PM

It's not too unusual, and is a byproduct of these batteries. Once you have your battery cleaned I'd suggest dropping by an auto parts store and for about $1 buy a packet of battery protectant jelly. You can also use petroleum jelly that you find at home, but at least for me I've found the stuff you buy lasts much longer.

nov0798 · 12-12-2011, 05:09 PM

I know this seems crazy, but placing a penny on the top of the battery, will usually corrode the penny rather than the other metals, and solve the problem.

On another note, though, this should not be doing this. Take it back to Toyota, and have then fix it under warranty!

Limited11 · 12-12-2011, 06:40 PM

I've seen acid build up before and it's normally after a few years and only on the terminal. My truck is 11 months old and the hold down bar is being eaten away. Definitely doesn't seem right to me.

***TrailDust*** · 12-12-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limited11

I've seen acid build up before and it's normally after a few years and only on the terminal. My truck is 11 months old and the hold down bar is being eaten away. Definitely doesn't seem right to me.

If the bar is being eaten then that's excessive. Take it to the dealer.

Vlad1024 · 12-12-2011, 09:18 PM

That shouldn't be happening. My 4 year old battery isn't doing this(panasonic) so you should try to get it replaced. My parents on the other hand bought their batteries at walmart...