2002 Chevy Blazer Battery?

LAIR

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

My truck battery was run out but we got a jump and it started. I drove it quite a distance but it began to not want to start. This sounds weird but when I slammed the door, the truck started but would not stay running consistently. The fuel gage was fluctuating up and down. I cleaned the battery terminals this morning which were corroded. I am now waiting for another jump. Do you think the corrosion was the cause or is it something else like the alternator or a bad cell in the battery? What causes corrosion anyway? And, yes, I'm female.

1 Reply

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Could be either/or, should just have the charging system tested at local auto part store. Most will test it for free. Corrosion could cause a no start situation depending on the amount of corrosion. The sulfuric acid used in batteries produces hydrogen gas, which is the primary factor behind the corrosion process that naturally occurs on your battery cables. That is because when your vehicle and battery are operating, very small amounts of gas are released through the vent cap. When released, these fumes naturally combine with the heat, dirt and humidity in the air, plus other active agents under your hood, like grease, oil and coolant, to form corrosion on your battery cables and terminals. It is easy to prevent this though, just purchase a pack of battery terminal grease and apply it to the newly cleaned battery terminals.