Hi,

I have about 16k on a 2012 FX4 and called in about getting the oil changed, tires rotated etc. They stated a battery cleaning too. I'm not recalling how much, but I checked and do not have any corrosion on the terminals. They said that its prevented maintenance and they apply some sore of blue gel on the terminals. If its only like 10 bucks, then I will have them do it because it will probably cost me 5 for the material. But if they end up charging a lot for this, then I'm thinking I will just buy my own stuff and apply it on my own. If the latter then is there a recommended product for this? Should I remove the terminals and then apply it on and replace the terminals? I presume I will have to reset everything in my truck again?

 

You can clean your own battery...it’s simple and you don’t need Ford’s blue gel...

 

The Blue stuff is primarily Petroleum jelly. Same thing as Vaseline.

 

why is it that the day after a thread pops up about a battery exploding during a "battery clean-up", someone else posts about it? funny how it works... (not saying this in a bad way)
did the dealers receive a TSB notice for "preventive battery maintenance" this week???

either way, you can have them do it (it should be about $10), or pick up what you need WHEN it is actually needed, and do it yourself.

 

I've used Cocca-Cola to clean terminals. However, Pepsi, and other brands just don't get it done though.
On the other side of the coin, if Coke is the only brand that eats the acid off the battery, it makes me wonder about drinking it!

 

I guess it's the season for batteries.... Just this afternoon I had to jump a Honda Civic

 

I put a felt washer saturated in white grease on each terminal when I put in a battery and forget it. My batteries generally go for upwards if not beyond 10 years, too....The battery in my 1977 is well over 10 years old.

 

baking soda and water will clean dirty terminals

 

I guess you could say I did my battery preventive maintenance. I had it replaced.
Only 3years , 40k miles old and it failed. Shorted cell.
Worst part of it was I just purchased the truck in Jan.
The truck is only driven 1 or 2 times a week and is parked in the garage.
I took it to the dealer as I thought I might have a load that wasn't shutting down after ignition was shut off. Dealer said all was fine and batteries don't last like they used to. Yeah right.
Had them install a new battery and got an oil change while I was in. Mechanic sprayed terminals down with a red lacquer type spray.