What are the symptoms of poor contact in a car battery?

[ParkerFitz]

The symptoms of poor contact in a car battery include the battery terminals becoming hot to the touch or sparking. Poor battery contact can lead to unstable idling, damage to the battery, and may also harm the generator. The main grounding cable between the battery and the car body is a thick power ground wire, typically connected to the car's frame, which handles the current flow from various parts of the vehicle. Below is an introduction to car battery maintenance: 1. The electrolyte level should always be maintained between max and min. Check monthly and top up with distilled water (pure water) as needed, but never add acid. 2. When the battery voltage is low and the lights are dim or the engine struggles to start, perform an external charge promptly. 3. Avoid overcharging or prolonged undercharging of the battery. Overcharging can cause active material to shed, while undercharging can lead to plate sulfation. Ensure the regulator voltage is neither too high nor too low. 4. During use, regularly check that the vent holes are clear to prevent battery deformation or explosion. 5. Keep the battery away from heat sources and open flames. Ensure ventilation during charging and use to prevent burns or injuries. 6. Avoid prolonged high-current discharge. Each engine start should not exceed 5 seconds, with a 10-15 second interval between consecutive starts. 7. Secure the battery firmly in the car to minimize vibration. 8. Regularly inspect the battery connections for tightness. All live terminals must maintain good contact to prevent sparking, which could cause battery explosion. Remove any oxides or sulfates from the battery terminals and apply petroleum jelly to prevent further corrosion.

[StSienna]

I drive an old car and often encounter poor battery contact issues. The symptoms are particularly obvious: the engine is very difficult to start, sometimes turning the key all the way only results in a clicking sound without ignition. While driving, the lights flicker noticeably, especially the headlights dimming and brightening, and the air conditioning blows inconsistently. The battery warning light on the dashboard stays on, the power windows become sluggish, and the horn sounds as faint as a mosquito when pressed. On long trips, voltage instability can cause the car to suddenly stall, which is especially frightening on the highway. It's crucial to check the battery terminals, clean off those greenish-white corrosion deposits, and ensure the clamps are tight. Regularly tightening the terminals can prevent these troubles, saving you from expensive roadside repairs.

[McLeonardo]

Loose battery terminals are a common issue, with symptoms including engine failure to start when turning the key, abnormal dashboard displays, and dim/flickering lights. During driving, electronic systems may malfunction - sudden horn failure or in-car charging port disconnections. Overheated battery terminals are a danger sign, feeling hot to touch or even emitting a pungent smell. Having handled multiple such cases, I've found accumulated corrosion worsens symptoms. For DIY cleaning, use baking soda solution and a small brush to scrub the positive/negative terminals, then apply anti-corrosion grease. Early detection prevents roadside breakdowns - safer and more economical.

[Lucas]

The symptoms of poor contact are straightforward: engine fails to start, unable to ignite; dashboard warning lights illuminate; abnormal flickering of lights. While driving, significant voltage fluctuations occur, electrical equipment malfunctions, such as windows getting stuck and difficult to operate, steering wheel assistance becomes heavier. In the worst case, the car unexpectedly stalls while driving. Check for loose electrode connections as soon as possible to avoid breakdowns on the road.

[DelEmery]

When the battery connection is poor, the engine struggles to start, only making a cranking sound without ignition. While driving, the lights flicker, the dashboard displays erratic numbers, and the air conditioning power fluctuates. The electronic systems malfunction, such as slow-response door locks and noisy horns. Corrosion and rust at the terminal positions are one of the main causes, leading to intermittent power loss. Cleaning the oxides during inspection can restore functionality.