ltdiver 3 #1 July 22, 2009 So, my car started acting up today. Not sure if it's battery, alternator, or starter yet. Car starts, but isn't instant like it usually is. It hesitates, then turns over. (Just started this afternoon). Also, at stop lights the Air Conditioning slows dramatically (which it never does). Opened the hood when I got home and discovered a red liquid covering the battery terminals, and a bit on the other side of the battery as well (on the top). It's viscous and bright in color. My first thought was battery leakage! But battery acid is white. Got on the internet and discovered it -might- be something called "Permatex Battery Sealer"? Has anyone worked with this before? Is it red? Does it stay liquid on the terminals? Last place I had my oil changed was at a Shell oil change station. Could they have put this on without telling me? It's the first time I've ever seen this. And if it's NOT the sealer, then what the heck is it? Diagnosis of the electrical problem would be appreciated as well. I can change a battery no problem, but the starter or alternator may take a little more time. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LongWayToFall 0 #2 July 22, 2009 Don't know about battery sealer at all. Red usually means transmission fluid, although on top of the battery? No way. Usually if it runs fine, but only start ups are lousy, it means the battery is going. I would be worried about the goo, I would try cleaning it off and using a wire brush to clean the terminals and battery cables before I bought a new battery (which car parts places can usually test for you, for free). If it is interfering with the batteries connection, it could certainly cause your problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 53 #3 July 22, 2009 Get a new battery and have your charging system tested. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base283 0 #4 July 22, 2009 Sounds like cat-in-the-fan-belt syndrome. Take care, space Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 43 #5 July 22, 2009 Sure its electrical? I am in no way a car expert.... http://www.aa1car.com/library/problem_hesitation.htm"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedude325 0 #6 July 22, 2009 Could be di-electric grease. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeNReN 0 #7 July 22, 2009 Its common to spray a lubricant on battery terminals to help prevent corrosion, the path between the posts should however be clean. The permatex stuff actually hardens and I do not reccomend using it as future service become more difficult. As usual there is not enough information to even give a educated guess at you problem...... A professional diagnoses is usually cheaper in the long run then listening to people on the internet who didnt even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #8 July 22, 2009 Yeah, I'm taking the car to my mechanic after work today for a diagnosis. Especially because of the red liquid on the terminals. I'm sure I'll learn something from them that I can impart here. Just hope the car starts this morning. Threw my jumper cables and tool box in the trunk in case it fails when I try to leave work . . . btw, I found the receipt for the battery. Bought in September '07. Still under warranty, so it should be cheap to replace (if that is the problem). ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #9 July 23, 2009 So, it -was- the battery failing. Warranty pro-rated and a new battery for only $40. As for the red liquid on the terminals? Goodyear Tire put it on (they sometimes do some minor work on my car). It's a battery acid inhibitor and terminal protector. They called it something like "Nocor". Or "No Corrosion", I'm thinking. The only thing on-line I could find was a product called CorrosionX. It's getting rave reviews on other news groups. Or something like THIS (hey, at least it admits to being red!) Anyway, questions answered. Car running healthy now. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SansSuit 1 #10 July 23, 2009 QuoteAs for the red liquid on the terminals? ... It's a battery acid inhibitor and terminal protector. They called it something like "Nocor". Or "No Corrosion", I'm thinking. The product is "NOCO" http://www.noco-usa.com battery corrosion preventative. I order it for our shop by the case (part number A202).Peace, -Dawson. http://www.SansSuit.com The Society for the Advancement of Naked Skydiving Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #11 July 23, 2009 Quote Quote As for the red liquid on the terminals? ... It's a battery acid inhibitor and terminal protector. They called it something like "Nocor". Or "No Corrosion", I'm thinking. The product is "NOCO" http://www.noco-usa.com battery corrosion preventative. I order it for our shop by the case (part number A202). Mystery solved! Thanks! ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeNReN 0 #12 July 23, 2009 And may I ask.......How much did the professional diagnoses cost?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #13 July 23, 2009 QuoteAnd may I ask.......How much did the professional diagnoses cost?? NADA. ZIP. NOTHING. Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeNReN 0 #14 July 23, 2009 Quote Quote And may I ask.......How much did the professional diagnoses cost?? NADA. ZIP. NOTHING. WOW...so you are telling me that it cost you nothing to have someone that actually looked at your vehicle diagnose your problem.... Crazyness Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
