Please help..Checking Charging system....

[explorer1007]

So I just did an oil change and started engine right after that to check oil leak. No problem whatsoever, the car started just fine. I then changed out rear brake pads without problem. My dad saw the green salt stuff on the red terminal of the battery and poured some water to dissolve it. I decided to restart the car and take it around the block to make sure the brakes work properly...HERE comes the problem... When i turn the key on, the radio turned on fine, but when i turn the key all the way, all i hear is dadadadadadadadadada...then the car died. I tried again, i turn the key to 3rd position, the front digital display says check charging system along with driver door ajar (i didnt close the door)

What happened...was the starter busted because my dad cleaned the battery?

 

[D Hook]

Was it just water or was there baking soda in the water?

 

[explorer1007]

with baking soda, how did u know lol

 

[explorer1007]

im charging the battery now..even though it says 12.8v on the battery

 

[explorer1007]

fixed...so after cleaning the battery..the voltage was low.. charged the battery for 2 hours fixed it. please delete.

 

[D Hook]

You may have a battery that's on it's way out. Extreme cold or hot temps have a tendency to finish off a marginal battery.

 

[Flag Gibby]

Yes, but if the connections were heavily corroded putting the baking soda/water mixture on them without completely removing them would create an insulating water jacket mixed with the oxidation resulting in an even less conductive connection. Which, in my mind, is why his problems went away once the dirty battery terminals were completely disconnected and then put back on.

 

[D Hook]

Guess I missed the part where he said he removed the battery cables. He said he just cleaned the battery. But yes, if the cables were removed, the connection was improved for sure and solved the problem.

How old is the battery I wonder?

 

[explorer1007]

Tried to start the car this morning...it was dead again...

err..so battery is done for sure. The past week the weather got cold. Im gonna buy a new 1 tomorrow and see if it's ok. Battery is 3 and half years old. 60k on it. Im really worried about the alternator..

I can jump start the car with my dad's car in 1 try. So starter still good. Phew.. will update tomorrowwith new battery, Thanks

 

[Flag Gibby]

Load test your battery before you swap it out with a new one and that will help tell you if the charging system has an issue or if it was just the battery.