2005 Honda Pilot – Battery Cleanup

On our roadtrip to Solvang, we went through the drive through at McDonalds (family road trip tradition) and parked in the parking lot to eat. We were watching YouTube on my iPhone while it was plugged into the car. The audio from the phone was going through the bluetooth receiver. The headlights were inadvertently still on. The engine was off.

After 30 minutes, I tried to start the car, but the engine would not turn over. The battery was dead. I turned off all the electrical, took out the charging cables and was looked around for someone to help jump the car. 15 minutes later, still couldn’t find anyone. I tried the engine again and it worked. Some how the battery built-up enough charge.

When we got back home, I decided to take a look at the battery and see if it needed replacement and I found build-up on the connector.

Acid corrosion can happen if the car is left outdoors in humid weather. My car is always parked outdoors in the driveway and it has been raining. The corrosion may have been there many months. I installed the battery Nov 2018, according to the label I stuck on the battery. The engine cranks smoothly so there is still life left. Hopefully a cleanup of the terminal would prevent the battery from draining so fast next time.

Corrosion Clean Up

Step 1 – Neutralize the Acid. Mix baking soda with water and pour onto the acid to neutralize it. You want to neutralize the acid because it is nasty stuff if it gets on your metal car engine and components.

Step 2 – Disconnect the terminals to get at the acid in between the connector and terminal

Step 3 – Wipe up the neutralized acid with water and a sponge

Step 4 – (optional) Apply anti-corrosion paste

A neighbor lent me his tube that he has been using for 20 years.

Apply the paste using a toothbrush to both the positive and negative terminals. Note: Take the negative off first, then the positive.

Step 5 – Reconnect the positive first, then the negative side

I’m hoping the battery won’t drain so quickly anymore when the engine is not on. But just in case, I got some charging cables to go with my Jackery Explorer. Will bring this road trips from now on.

Bonus Content – Reducing Smelliness

My son and wife have been complaining about the smell inside the Honda Pilot for years. I replaced the air filter a while back. It was nasty. I feel that the air is much better now. My son says the car still smells.

So I replaced the mats and added a little garbage bin

To get to the food particles have fallen to unreachable areas, I used a 14mm socket wrench to remove the two bolts on the bottom of the seat, so I can lift up the seat

Found In and Out Fries, still looking edible

Found Mystery rotting food product

Added an new car scent air freshener.

Added new seat covers. Feels and smells like a different car now.