A car battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy. The battery can be used to start the engine and power major electrical loads and other accessories.
Battery terminals are electrical contacts on the battery that are used to connect the electrical circuit of the vehicle to the battery power source.
Battery terminal connectors are the connection point between the battery terminals and the main power cables that power loads and accessories.
Battery is the energy storage device in vehicles. The alternator together with the battery act as power source to electrical loads of a car.
Battery terminal connectors that are used to ensure good electrical contact between the battery terminals and the battery cables can develop issues that can affect the performance of the vehicle.
Both positive and negative terminals of the battery together with positive and negative battery cables have battery terminal connectors that connects them.
Common faults of battery terminal connectors
1. Broken battery terminal connector
When the connector is broken, there won't be a tight connection with the terminal of the battery. It is also possible that the connector will go off the battery terminal, causing the battery not to charge or supply power when power is needed from the battery.
2. Loose connection with battery terminal
When the connection of the connectors to the battery terminals are not tight enough (partial contact), it can cause no start condition or insufficient battery charging.
3. Loose connection with battery cable
The cables that delivers charging current from the alternator and also delivers load current from battery to loads are connected to the battery terminals through the connectors. If the connection between the cables and the terminals are not properly tightened, it causes poor charging and no start condition. It can also cause drivability issues when adequate power is not delivered to electronics that control the functioning of the car.
4. Corrosion of battery terminal connector
This creates a point of high resistance to current flow. The effect is same with that of the points above.
All these are parts of things that affect battery life.
Tips on battery terminal connector maintenance
1. Always clean the battery terminals and connectors
2. Ensure that the connector to battery terminal and connector to battery cable connections are tight.
3. Replaced bad battery terminal connectors with new ones.
