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Stupid Mistake, Electrical Shortage Please Help
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anchovigalexia
New User
Aug 30, 2013, 5:14 PM
Post #1 of 4
(5397 views)
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Stupid Mistake, Electrical Shortage Please Help
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My 1997 Toyota Camry needed it's battery replaced as i had to jump start for a couple mornings. I disconnected the battery before heading out to Sears, Walmart, or Autozone to check if it had any specs printed on it. I placed the battery on the floor and accidentally knocked it on it's side and it spilled a liquid. I picked it back up and installed it back to it's original placement after discovering no specs what so ever. To my surprise, my car turned on. I couldn't take my car to get a replacement battery until after 2 days for whatever reason.Again to my surprise, my car turned on. While on the freeway, on my way to get a new battery, my car completely shut off. I pulled over, popped the hood, and discovered that the metal bar that holds the battery in place was stuck to some wires that were sticking out from the positive side of the battery.
My stupid mistake was that i left the metal bar, that holds the battery in place, loose so it moved around while i was on the road and made contact with the positive cable on my battery.
Of course, this is what a shortage looks like.
Now, it would be very kind if someone on here can guide towards the next step to getting this situation fixed. When i insert the key into my ignition the windows still roll down and the radio still turns on.
However, there is no ignition noises nor does my car attempt to ignite when i turn the key.
I imagine the fuse box needs to be checked, then maybe the voltage of the battery with a volt or ohm meter. I'm just taking a wild guess.
May someone be very kind and please guide me? I really need my car running this week.
Thanks!
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 30, 2013, 5:42 PM
Post #2 of 4
(5383 views)
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Re: Stupid Mistake, Electrical Shortage Please Help
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If the positive side of the battery made contact with the metal holder which is connected to ground. It is going make a bunch of heat and sparks. It will probably melt the holder or part of it. It could also melt the body ground cable if the holder can carry more current than the body ground cable. If the engine was running when it did this, it could blow the alternator fuse or damage the alternator.
You probably need to purchase another battery since you tipped it and shorted it out. Once you get a good battery and make sure it has good clean connections, test the charging system. (If it will start...snickers)
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 30, 2013, 5:47 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 30, 2013, 5:44 PM
Post #3 of 4
(5382 views)
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Re: Stupid Mistake, Electrical Shortage Please Help
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That liquid that leaked out is acid and will eat your wiring and car away if you don't neutralize it with some baking soda and water. You need a new battery and whatever else got melted.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 31, 2013, 2:36 AM
Post #4 of 4
(5367 views)
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Re: Stupid Mistake, Electrical Shortage Please Help
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Clean up the mess as said - baking soda, carefully rinse as possible then I would rust-proof areas and wiring that may have been wet. If vehicle wiring at least some WD-40 all over shouldn't hurt a thing.
Why the trouble finding a battery for this? You only need to ask for the grade/quality you want unless hold downs or alterations were made from OE. In stock item everywhere. A Camry! Probably one of the fasting selling items in batteries so don't understand waiting for one??
Note: Regular (most are) car lead acid batteries do NOT tolerate trauma, being tipped over well at all. New ones destroyed easily. Old ones can easily short inside. Consider a battery a real dangerous item to be handled with care.
Only specific use gel cell types tolerate much and much safer but can be nasty expensive.
When if transporting them put in plastic when at all possible especially the used one or a dirty one. That can eat the crap out of carpet or anything it touches. Don't let battery dirt especially wetness from one get on clothes or fabric anything. You'll find real fashionable holes if not right away when it gets damp at the area again,
T
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