Battery Terminal Loose as a Goose? - The Fix!

[@ozzstars_cars]

**Battery Post Shims: amzn.to/2HnQH7G **Battery post cleaning tool: amzn.to/2HTn5mc **Battery Terminal Spreader Tool: amzn.to/2KbBf0b **Dielectric Grease Anti Corrosion: amzn.to/2HUNz3Z Check out some cool tools that Ozzstar likes to use: www.amazon.com/shop/ozzstar Thanks for stopping by the Ozzstar channel, please Subscribe, Like and Comment. -Glen

[@kevinwilkinson1510]

Excellent! Just what the Doctor ordered! Our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe died in the street last night and wouldn't start. While hooking up a charger I noticed the loose positive battery clamp and went looking on KZbin for an answer and wound up on this page. The battery was replaced last year by the dealer while I had the car in for service. I spent about $40 on parts like the pliers, dielectric grease and the lead thimbles and about 20 minutes of my time and got it fixed. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad the video helped you out Kevin! It's a shame some dealership mechanics just don't know how to do things correctly. Take it easy. -Glen

[@DylanRabier]

Well I learned something. Had no idea there are shims for battery posts 😮 Thx for the video 👍

[@ozzstars_cars]

Your welcome and thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@someoneelse6934]

Save yourself a few bucks: make your own shim with an aluminum can. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity. Cut the can with scissors (being careful not to cut yourself on the edges). Then easily wrap a strip of aluminum around the post and fit the terminal over it . I just did this yesterday and worked like a charm. The connector is now nice and snug. No movement at all when tightened.

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's an excellent hack job.

[@RonD1217]

Thank you because I'm having that issue as of now

[@BrotherHuang]

You have to be careful of what metals you use. Aluminum is dissimilar to copper or what the terminal is made out of and will react and cause corrosion between the dissimilar metals. You should try to establish whether this is an issue before doing this.

[@Koncs86]

Aren't the inside of aluminum cans lined with a layer of plastic? Doesn't sound optimal...

[@BiG9VIDZ]

Thanks... I had no idea what was happening until I saw this. 👍🏽You saved me time, money & an unnecessary trip to the dealership.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Awesome!

[@Roddy1965]

Same problem in an Elantra, with new battery. Different clamp design, but kinda the same.... bizarre problem. Great tip.

[@stuzman52]

Great tip Glen and it looks like a few folks weren't aware of the shims for the battery posts. Definitely going to help a lot of folks out there. I sure am glad the warm weather is settling in. Only problem is that it's been raining for two days now :)

[@ozzstars_cars]

April showers hopefully will leave soon. Tree pollen around here is bad. As long as the weekend weather is clear and dry because I need some seat time in the new toy! Take care Terry.

[@wyattoneable]

Hello from Germany. :) You never know when you replace a battery if the original connector will fit so having those spacers in the shop is smart. Good tip Glen.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad you made it there safe Wyatt. Shooting some video footage like a good KZbinr would? Yes I now keep at least one in stock. ;-) Have fun in Germany.

[@hourglas39]

Thank you for this video! This just happened to me tonight after I finished doing my laundry 🤷🏾‍♀️ I had to call for emergency service to have a technician come out and jump my car and he discovered the terminal being loose and suggested that I take it back to the dealership since I just had an engine and catalytic converter put in and at the mechanic may have damage the terminal when they were working on the car. 🤷🏾‍♀️ You are awesome! Thanks so much for your help!

[@ozzstars_cars]

What a headache! Hopefully they get your car fixed soon. Thanks for the comment! -Glen

[@MileyO]

Been having problems with charging, it doesn't show that it's not charging, new belt and good generator. Battery in good condition, tested. But yeah, these connectors are loose, and nobody in car repair shop says nothing about it....go buy a new battery....let's change the generator. And the next morning my car doesn't start again 😂 Thanks for the video, I will fix this problem myself. Because mechanics around here need to be knitting themselves some skirts, not work in a car repair shop.

[@ozzstars_cars]

🤣🤣🤣 What area do you live in? I may start up a women's fashion store. lol

[@MileyO]

​@@ozzstars_cars Estonia. Oh no... who's gonna give us good advice then.. You keep doing what you're doing. And thank you for the video

[@sbjorgy]

Thanks for the tip. I didn't know that they made shims for the terminals.

[@ozzstars_cars]

A simple solution isn't it?

[@johntorres7192]

Yes Neither did I! Its 2018...bout time they have some!

[@TP-ve1kb]

good demonstration

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thank you.

[@amandabonitaespiritu1548]

New Subscriber here!! I definitely enjoy watching your informative videos!! I have always loved, being able to take care of, as many vehicle related issues/repairs as I can,....without having to go to an expensive repair shop. Your videos allow people to see the repair being done. And for those unsure of something, they can always go back to your video, (as a reference/guide). I look forward to more and more videos!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks Amanda for your comment and subscribing. Glad you enjoy the videos! Take care -Glen

[@jimthecarguy]

Nice video Glen.Those new style ends can be a real pain sometimes. I've seen customers hammer in a nail or a screw to tighten them .Definitely not the way to go. Your way is much better.

[@ozzstars_cars]

jimthecarguy trying to do it right! Take care Jim

[@kimber841]

Just had to do this to my wife’s Sorento today. Thanks man!

[@ozzstars_cars]

👍

[@dubmakinwill2479]

Always the fucking Kia’s🤦🏿‍♂️

[@julioc8183]

I used a clamp that I had, I cut up a little piece and is working nicely

[@ozzstars_cars]

Sometimes being a hack gets the job done.

[@aarondockery8732]

This method still works in 2022! Thanks a lot bro! I really appreciate it!

[@ozzstars_cars]

It should become one of the Golden rules. Haha

[@MoSuntzu]

Never knew about these shims!.. I had the same problem! thanks for the video!

[@NRecob]

Glen, *THANK YOU!* I had no idea these lead caps even existed! The neg battery cable on my '05 Jaguar ST R was loose after installing a new battery & I've had this same gap problem. Now I won't because of your video (& Advance Auto Parts). Thanks again brother.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad the video helped you out! Smash that thanks button under the vid if you get a chance. 💯

[@robinsonsauto]

Nice tip Glen!!! I love it when a car comes in with a screw taking up the space 😂 this looks like a much better option. Deka battery sweet they are near me. Great batteries

[@ozzstars_cars]

Yes the Deka batts are good stuff, hard to find quality these days. Yeah leave the screws for drywall! lol Take care Will.

[@indie2974]

Some shot that actually helped me when needed

[@mikes6301]

Wow! I had the same problem this morning. Thanks for doing this👍.

[@SteveHylton1969]

You saved my Sunday good sir... had no idea this was a thing... worked like a charm.. thank you!

[@GeorgeELewis-ni3rs]

Great video saved me a trip to the dealership. Thanks bud!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Your welcome. Thank you.

[@malibusbc]

Thanks...very helpful. A lot of people crank down and damage terminal especially on older cars..with newer battery post appear smaller in diameter.

[@frankspencer6935]

Liked, this is the only vid I have seen that mentions using a battery terminal spreader, which is key in getting the thimble to fit. After buying two of these thimbles and without using a makeshift tool and possibly breaking a terminal I conceded to using some small copper plumbing fittings cut to size, which were cheaper than the thimbles.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks for the comment1

[@andrearasizer7414]

Thank you sooo much! I just changed my battery on my 2013 Huyndai Santa Fe and my positive terminal connection was loose. My boyfriend made a connector with a piece of an aluminum can, but it didn’t last and my battery is dead. I will follow your advice and buys that part. I think I can do this repair myself.

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome Andrea. Ozzstar's tip of the day....the shim might need to be tapped lightly with a small hammer to get it on, it's a snug fit. Good luck and I hope the fix goes well for you, let us know if you can.

[@andrearasizer7414]

@@ozzstars_cars I saw that on the video. I appreciate the reply to my comment, especially since your video was posted 2+years ago. I hate working on anything electrical on my car, freaks me out, but if I follow your video I should be good. I will let you know. ;)

[@ozzstars_cars]

Remember to keep the negative (black) ground cable disconnected while working and then reconnect it as the last step. This prevents any "fireworks".😉

[@VCGConstruction]

Gotta love the love taps!! Good fix and the terminal cleaner can wear away the lead making it thinner and less likely to grip. Thanks Ozzstar!!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Your welcome VCG.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

A good wood screw will take up that space no problem! Good tip Glen.

[@robinsonsauto]

Haha mike beat me to it 😂

[@RustyGlovebox]

I had seen those but just haven’t used them before. Nice tip and explanation

[@ozzstars_cars]

Rusty Glovebox thanks

[@vmontijo]

Excellent video - I didn't know that these shims existed either. One thing is that di-electric grease is NOT conductive (Google it). If its a very thin layer, there will be enough metal -metal contact to "power through" the insulating grease. The grease is actually to applied with a small brush after the parts are attached to protect the exposed areas from corroding... but great video!

[@ozzstars_cars]

No more corrosion is a good thing! Thanks

[@brianressler569]

Hmm this is a good tip, I ended up being able to tighten mine with some fiddling. I untightened the bolt further, put it in and tightened, and suddenly it wasnt loose anymore but it gave me some trouble for a few minutes where it was wiggling around with the bolt tightened. I found this video later, this seems like a good solution too if it happens again

[@ozzstars_cars]

The shims work, its what they are made for to do it right.

[@JonTheJedi]

Thanks man. Only cost me $5 to fix. I though I was going to have to buy a whole new terminal connection.

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome Jo

[@officialkirstenlane]

Thank you for sharing this easy fix. Have the same issue with my 2012 Honda Fit. Buying the parts now :)

[@ozzstars_cars]

Simple solution to fix that problem. Thanks for your comment Kiki.

[@111milltown]

Thanks Glen, That was my problem and you helped me fix it! Glenn

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's good news double "N" Glenn! You're welcome -one "N" Glen 😀

[@davidh6809]

Not aware of the shims, thanks. I did use tin foil for a temporary fix.

[@aprilshowers7820]

thank you so much - this was so helpful to a non mechanic

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad the video was helpful to you.

[@jaymeyer4485]

Greatly appreciate the video! My daughter’s car had the wrong battery in it. When I replaced it, I ran into this problem. I didn’t know those spacers existed...

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for the comment Jay.

[@uc95nu51]

This video rocks. Gonna use these on my girl's ride now.

[@rogersmith7003]

I cut A small piece of galvanized steel strapping and wrapped around the terminal and then snugged everything down and that worked. But I like the idea of the shims made specifically for the terminal and I’m probably going to buy some.

[@ozzstars_cars]

The terminal shims work well but sometimes you have to be creative to make it happen. 👍

[@Krazykira24]

I think my shim is old and worn, it bends easily and my positive pops off easily. I am going to buy a new one, thanks to you, and see if that will fix it. I didn't know the fix could be this easy. Thank you.

[@ozzstars_cars]

You got it! Hope it works out well.

[@Krazykira24]

@@ozzstars_cars It went on well and seems to fit great. Only time will tell if it's a permanent fix. Ty.

[@ReebzProductions]

Thank you for this video!

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome Reebz!

[@MiMi-vb8lg]

Exactly what we need for our daughters' car. TY

[@ozzstars_cars]

👍

[@tamijocampbell4629]

Omg im having this EXACT issue i found you by accident but Im so glad i did!!!! I boight a brand new piece that slides onto the peg but the wires are too short for me to attatch it. I guess this battery must be taller than my old one? So i couldnt figure out how am i going to make this damn thing tight??!!! You could just bump it and it popped off

[@ozzstars_cars]

Good news!

[@justin_0429]

Do you have to put the silicone on it?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Are you speaking of the battery terminals?

[@BadAssMexican956]

Very informative, thank you and thanks for the links for the products!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad it was helpful Rolando and you're welcome.

[@jonathanwilkes6994]

Thank you so much i was trying to fix my wifes car and it is near impossible to find that battery terminal

[@chiriqui1000]

Great job my friend, that was helpful, thanks.

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome

[@deshundareese5177]

Love y'all guys

[@wtbm123]

I keep those in stock , Seems a lot of the new batteries , seem to suffer from small terminal syndrome.

[@ozzstars_cars]

STS, what a bitch! lol

[@renatovalentin1611]

Much appreciate for the lesson!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome!

[@txsviking]

Thats something new to me. Good tip.

[@ozzstars_cars]

It's simple enough Terry. Thanks

[@allyraye1115]

This was so helpful - thank you!!

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Dielectric grease is used on pigtail connectors to waterproof the plastic housings, it's not made to be used on the actual connectors, the properties of dielectric grease is actually a resistor.

[@ozzstars_cars]

You are correct but it works great on battery terminals. Haven't had not one terminsl connection corrode in 15 years.

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

@@ozzstars_cars Sounds good, I'm going to use it.

[@scottpearsontoolsmore185]

Great video thanks. I didn't know they made them. I will have to get my son to buy some for his car. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again

[@ozzstars_cars]

The shims aren't needed much or often but good to have on hand when the time comes.

[@Blazer02LS]

I just grab some copper shim stock (AKA roll of copper flashing) and put a wrap on it, usually does the trick.

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's a good idea Blazer, copper does conduct electricity well.

[@garyvoigt321]

Super helpful, man. Thanks for making this video!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OJ9301]

Just did this to my car battery👌🏾 thanks for the video !

[@ozzstars_cars]

Your welcome

[@jpol3808]

Lay a steel block on a solid area that the cable end will reach, then lay the cable end on the block and hit it a few times with a large ball peen hammer in an effort to flatten it slightly. This will narrow up the hole making it tight when you put it back on. Easy and if you don't have a steel block just use two ball peen hammers, laying the cable end on the side or head of one of the hammers, then hit it with the other one. Done this dozens of times. It's so quick, fast and easy and gets em down the road until the next battery change. Tightens every time. But don't over tighten! Jpol.

[@sandrapoulter4463]

Thank you very much you solve the problem!!

[@cuddyzay9167]

Hey so my negative terminal is what’s not tightening. What do you suggest

[@kdub31086]

Same issue with my elantra ...will def be trying this thanks

[@ozzstars_cars]

👍

[@ekavoian]

GOOD VIDEO!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thank you Ernest. That was my Grandfather's name. 👍

[@BigRW]

What do you do when the post is too small, but when you put on the spacer and it's so big the terminal won't fit?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Give it a tapity tap tap until it fits.

[@DVTOM]

Aftermarket replacement batteries going into Hyundai vehicles all do that without using a shim unless you buy an actual Hyundai labeled battery. Dealer told me that their positive terminals are thicker.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Isn't that interesting? Makes us wonder why?

[@Neishabee1]

Thank you

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome!

[@garydcall9644]

Thank you Brother,

[@ozzstars_cars]

You are welcome

[@samuelmoreno3255]

hope you see this but I noticed my positive terminal is broken and was wondering if you had any info on replacing this part as I cant find much any where and the 7.5 amp fuse looks like it cant be taken out of the plastic shell

[@ozzstars_cars]

Contact a Hyundai/Kia parts or service department.

[@DriveShaftDrew]

thumbs up and shared a good easy fix

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks Drew, take it easy!

[@BasicMuzik]

Didn’t work for me, my positive cable terminal is exactly like you negative terminal and it won’t tighten on the shims, shims made it too wide for my bolt

[@ozzstars_cars]

Time for Plan B.

[@zacharyallbright9638]

easy simple great video

[@ozzstars_cars]

Appreciate your comment, thanks Zach!

[@pabs8]

Genious invention👍🏼

[@Ro3Go]

Great video. Thanks!

[@TheAmeriCanuck]

Man, I'm having this problem and battery went dead and obviously wouldn't hold the charge. You just told me what the problem is. I had to install a new battery and now I think that's probably what created the problem, Mayne the post isn't the same as the factory one so that's why the connection got loose over time. But I thought I was going to replace the cable itself. Thanks so much , man! Do I have to use the spreader too? Or can I just get the shims?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Hopefully you can correct the problem now. No need to spread her open if she's already loose. 😜

[@TheAmeriCanuck]

@Ozzstar's Cars ok, I'll just get the shims and try that first. I only asked cuz you used it in the video.

[@Kalel0407]

Had my Elantra 3 yrs then all sudden it's doing the same issue..what gives? Are all shims equal in size?

[@ozzstars_cars]

I believe Hyundai used the same size terminal across the board.

[@Kalel0407]

@@ozzstars_cars it worked:) who knew ty

[@BaydreamR]

Helpful. Thanks!

[@raymondrodriguez5068]

Did you installed the negative first then positive?🙃

[@ozzstars_cars]

No. You may want to watch the video again.

[@K5GIXX]

I have shims on mine and its still loose and its driving me crazy, it stays tight on the connector but still pops off the terminal 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@Cre8tive81]

Theres no way to tighten it without shims? The clamp isnt adjustable?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Not.when the terminal is a larger diameter than the post.

[@SlardybardfastUSA]

That clamping design on my 2014, same as shown in the video, is a POS. I bought the terminal shims, but they were much too thick to be used. Look closely at the repaired terminal, and you will see that the clamp is NOT completely tight like on the Neg side. I do not consider this repair to be a reliable fix.

[@spelunkerd]

Same thing happened to me a few years ago, I reluctantly used the same solution, and I keep a pair in the tool box. It's not ideal, they create an extra connection point that could go bad and it looks messy. I don't know what is with batteries terminals that are too small, there's no reason for it.... I don't even know if the problem is with an improperly sized connector or the battery post itself.

[@ozzstars_cars]

spelunkerd yes it is an annoying issue to say the ĺeast!

[@flatratemaster]

Just asking for Leon to make a meme of this Glen😉🤣🤣

[@ozzstars_cars]

Wishing for a miracle! lol

[@bubba2k10]

thanks buddy That is a great fix !!!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Your welcome Chuck

[@patriciavargas3608]

If its loose because its broken, do you have to replace the whole box?

[@ozzstars_cars]

You may want to watch again and don't skip. 👍

[@jddonahue2]

Why use dielectric grease? It is non-conductive. Is it not better just to coat the terminals with the dielectric once the connections are tight?

[@ozzstars_cars]

The silicone grease will protect against electrolytes and prevent corrosion. Good conductivity still made.

[@gombert07]

Thank you thumbs up and subscribed

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome and thanks

[@drivesecure2476]

good video thanks

[@ty-launax3676]

What does the dieletric grease do?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Prevents corrosion.

[@susannedugas8219]

...or a lay a few pieces of aluminum foil over the male terminal, which you can then press the female terminal end down onto; adjust tightness by adding or subtracting number of pieces of foil. Substantially cheaper and adjustable; aluminum is an excellent electrical conductor. Or go buy some shims...

[@Thetatteddad6000]

What kind of goo are you using?

[@ozzstars_cars]

I state what it is in the video. The dielectric grease link is in the description.

[@JackbeNimrod]

Thank you this is informative. But why? After 80 years who thought it was a good idea to change the size of battery posts? Things are supposed to be advancing yet we keep making things harder. Just getting to the battery is hard. It is now in the back of the engine on my new cars requiring the removal of brackets and covers before you can get to the battery.

[@ozzstars_cars]

I know what you mean Jack. Next week I will be posting a video on how to replace a battery in a C4 generation Corvette. Wait until you see how fun it is and that goes back to 1984-'96.

[@debbiecostanzo1531]

THANKYOU!!!!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

You are welcome Debbie!

[@jamesphilip4562]

I’ve been having the same problem for a long time now

[@SAAutoRepair]

And all this time I was shoving a small washer in there or wrapping it with aluminum foil. Just kidding...I use the wood screw like TDM

[@ozzstars_cars]

That must be called the Staten Island special? :-)

[@SAAutoRepair]

Unfortunately, it sometimes is. That's why I stay busy and Keith stays insanely busy

[@miasministry07]

Yep that sounds about right. My car wouldnt start at food.lion and the terminal is loose.

[@leedchristensen]

The style terminal tightening nut is junk. It’s like a nut with a cone on the bottom so it only will tighten into a point. It looks like on our car it ovaled out the bottom piece the cone nut fits into and now no matter how tight you make it, it isn’t tight enough. An even cheaper solution. If you can’t make it to the store to pick one of those up because your car won’t start, is to put a couple layers of tinfoil over the battery post and reinstall, it didn’t take much on ours to make it tight again.

[@ozzstars_cars]

A metal.strip from a beer or soda can would also work in a pinch.

[@edcdad1124]

This could explain why my brand new battery died 😂 got a warranty replacement and did this to my positive terminal that was lose also de fused my media system guess in my car they somehow drain the battery even off

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's easy to test.

[@edcdad1124]

@@ozzstars_cars I'd say I'm a KZbin mechanic at a low lvl lol

[@meblake7359]

I just cut a piece of spiral clamp that has ridges to bite in. Those sleeves don't work well.

[@ozzstars_cars]

@meblake7359 the sleeves work perfect and provide full continuity.

[@kristopherchristoper2286]

Thank u bro

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome

[@BADD400]

I have used them before.

[@ozzstars_cars]

How were the results long term? My concern is the shim metal corroding.

[@BADD400]

i guess ok it was a customers car when I was at Advance Auto a few years ago. I have always just used a new positive cable when I did other customer work on the side.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad it worked out. The positive terminal on this vehicle is complex, it even has a built in fuse, so not a cheap replacement. The factory positive battery post was just a little wider than the aftermarket, so the shim did the trick.

[@kylealessi7663]

Does corrosion cause this?

[@ozzstars_cars]

The smaller size of the aftermarket battery terminal is the issue.