Advertise on DISCO3.CO.UK
Forum · Gallery · Wiki · Shop · Sponsors
DISCO3.CO.UK > Maintenance & Mods (D3)

Crystals on Battery Terminal
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 1
JonB185
 


Member Since: 18 Dec 2018
Location: Bury
Posts: 5

2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Manual Alveston RedDiscovery 3
Crystals on Battery Terminal

My 2005 S has a recurring problem with crystals developing on the positive terminal of the battery. I have cleaned the terminals with bicarb and have replaced the battery with a new one in case there was a dead cell. I have cleaned the battery earth terminal connection (not that it needed it) and checked that the battery connector clamps are tight and secure.

I have also cleaned the earth points on the inner wing under the bonnet next to the battery and also under the wheel arch liner on the driver's side - they were slightly corroded but not massively so

The car can charge at 15v just after initial start up but then will settle into the 14.0 to 14.8 range after 10 mins or so. The alternator has been replaced, about 40,000 miles ago.

Prior to me changing the battery the crystallisation went to such a level that the positive terminal was very hot and the when attempting to start it after a long journey there was no power to the ignition until I had sandpapered and thoroughly cleaned the terminals

Has anyone any suggestions as to what to look at next please
  
Post #201040218th Dec 2018 12:24 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Pete K
 


Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10673

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Rimini RedDiscovery 3

remove terminal from battery, and vasiline battery terminal and connector.

otherwise, maybe a replacement red cable assembly is required? if it isn't making good connection across all of the batteries terminal area
  
Post #201040718th Dec 2018 12:42 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Pete K
 


Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10673

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Rimini RedDiscovery 3

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-disc...:rk:2:pf:0

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Battery-Termina...rk:14:pf:0
  
Post #201041018th Dec 2018 12:44 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
JonB185
 


Member Since: 18 Dec 2018
Location: Bury
Posts: 5

2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Manual Alveston RedDiscovery 3

Thanks very much - I will check that connector block out tonight. The heat partly melted the insulation on the positive lead that runs from the battery to the fuse box, so I have already replaced that one
  
Post #201043718th Dec 2018 1:57 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Sheepy
 


Member Since: 20 Feb 2013
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 630

United Kingdom 2010 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 GS Auto Zermatt SilverDiscovery 4

When you've cleaned up the battery terminals, did you also clean the inside of the positive connector?
  
Post #201047818th Dec 2018 4:06 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Sydney
 


Member Since: 11 Aug 2013
Location: St Neots
Posts: 903

United Kingdom 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Base 7 Seat Manual Zermatt SilverDiscovery 3

The battery could be venting between the terminal post and the battery case.
 De-Tango
V8 Brakes
EGRs blanked
Running boards
3 flash indicators and clock on dash
Blingy grille... 
 
Post #201048218th Dec 2018 4:39 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
JonB185
 


Member Since: 18 Dec 2018
Location: Bury
Posts: 5

2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Manual Alveston RedDiscovery 3

I gave the inner surface of the terminal clamp a good clean with sandpaper. I will look at the battery vent location but it has happened on the new battery as well as the old one. Definately worth a look though thanks
  
Post #201055518th Dec 2018 6:16 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Gadgetnut
 


Member Since: 01 Sep 2018
Location: Somerset
Posts: 145

United Kingdom 2012 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

If you dont have any vaseline handy, or feel like spending a little more try this stuff

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007G2KVGI/ref...gCb7VGGQA8

We use it to protect connectors and connections on open boats.
 D1 3Door (White) Long gone
D1 3 Door (Red) Long gone
D2 5 Door (Charleston Green) Long gone
D4 HSE (Black) 
 
Post #201057618th Dec 2018 6:38 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Globetrotter448
 


Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1817

Australia 2007 Discovery 3 4.0 V6 Petrol SE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

For it to get hot and melt the insulation I would think that it is occasionally shorting somewhere as heat require amps to be drawn. check near the front diff on the cable going to the starter.
  
Post #201074119th Dec 2018 3:13 am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Pete K
 


Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10673

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Rimini RedDiscovery 3

It is worth checking, although that should blow the fuse (as long as it's not a 2004 model)


A poor joint also causes heat build up, and disapiate down the wire.
  
Post #201085819th Dec 2018 12:08 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
JonB185
 


Member Since: 18 Dec 2018
Location: Bury
Posts: 5

2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Manual Alveston RedDiscovery 3

I'm suspecting that the heat build up was caused by the poor connectivity between the clamp and battery terminal caused by the crystals rather then a short. After a 100 mile journey I turned the engine off for 5 mins but when I went to restart it the the dash was blank - almost as though the battery was dead. Tried to jump it off another battery and also a booster pack without success. The solenoid clicked but engine didn't turn over. The jump leads were connected to the battery clamps.

After removing the clamps, cleaning them and re-attaching them it started fine proving that the battery wasn't flat. The car has covered a couple of hundred miles since fitting the new battery and the crystals are just starting to appear. I will try the cleaning/greasing route to see whether that cures it. Still not sure why it occurs though
  
Post #201088919th Dec 2018 12:54 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Pete K
 


Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10673

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Rimini RedDiscovery 3

Inspect inside the black plastic thing below the terminal which contains the mega fuse.
See if the contacts are good in here. Either root cause or as a result of other heat damage
  
Post #201089319th Dec 2018 12:58 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
JonB185
 


Member Since: 18 Dec 2018
Location: Bury
Posts: 5

2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Manual Alveston RedDiscovery 3

That's helpful advice - many thanks
  
Post #201089919th Dec 2018 1:11 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Display posts from the last:  
Post Reply Back to top
Page 1 of 1
Jump to:  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >


Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



DISCO3.CO.UK Copyright © 2004-2024 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DISCO3.CO.UK RSS Feed - All Forums

DISCO3.CO.UK is independent and not affiliated to Land Rover.
Switch to Mobile Site