Battery Cable Connection Broke!

[rmonio]

I had a strange thing happen today with my 4600. I was getting ready to move some class 5 gravel and went to restart the unit and it wouldn't start. It clicked - which is consistent with a bad battery or poor connection (which is odd as the battery is new). So I opened it up, found corrosion on the + cable and it was also loose (that was also odd). I then started to tighten it and it completely broke off.

We were able to jump start the tractor by using a vice-grips on the connector, but as to be expected when the unit was shut off we could not restart.

Has anyone ever seen this with a battery cable connection? I am also not sure how to fix it other than having Deere come out and put a new one on for me.

Thoughts? Thanks!

-Bob

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Probably an easy fix to replace the cable. New cable and a couple wrenches and 10 minutes unless it is different than what you give us to visualize. Picture would clarify if that is the case.

Ron

 

[k0ua]

Hear about the broken/corroded battery cables all the time here on TBN. A very common problem.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

If it is a top terminal battery you can get replacement ends either in the 2 bolt strap style or the sleeve style with the compression nut and it should be about $5 to fix. If the whole cable is bad they can usually be had in various lengths with one that should be close.

David Kb7uns

 

[skyhook]

Disconnect the cable at the battery, you can buy new cable "ends", there not that expensive,
or get a new cable and replace it, ""Make sure you disconnect it at the battery first"",
because you'll have to also disconnect it at the starter.
Not a big deal to do, corrosion "will" separate the connector from the post,,
just like water will expand when frozen.

 

[silvertramp]

I was jump starting a tractor and the positive cable caught fire in the middle. Turns out it was corroded under the insulation. When the ends get bad, I buy new cables after seeing that.

 

[chim]

I smear a corrosion protectant (Penetrox, CU/AL Aid, No/ALOX, other names) used in the trade for electrical connections on the terminals when installing batteries. HD and Lowes even have little tubes that are handy to keep in the tool box.

 

[k0ua]

I have been using No-ox-id for about 35 years on terminals, taking care to make sure any exposed copper wire is covered so that the fumes cannot get into the copper strands and start the corrosion process. I always got if for free as left overs in what was sent with telephone PBX stationary battery installations. I just always saved what was left over in the jars and tubes after I greased up the telephone batteries. If the stationary battery manufactures thought enough of it to send it as part of the installation, I figured it was good enough for my batteries. In 35 years I have not been disappointed.
The below links may not be the best places to buy this product, made by Sanchem, but I have never bought any!

Amazon.com: 8 ounce Tube Cb Ham Radio NO OX ID A-Special Conductive Grease ALL Antenna Metal: Electronics

Amazon.com: 2 ounce Tub Cb Ham Radio NO OX ID A-Special Conductive Grease ALL Antenna Metal: Everything Else

 

[rmonio]

Probably an easy fix to replace the cable. New cable and a couple wrenches and 10 minutes unless it is different than what you give us to visualize. Picture would clarify if that is the case.

Ron

Here is what it looks like. From what I'm reading from everyone else, this does happen and it should be reasonable to fix.

Thanks for your help, everyone!

-Bob

 

[George2615]

Here is what it looks like. From what I'm reading from everyone else, this does happen and it should be reasonable to fix.

Thanks for your help, everyone!

-Bob

Bob,
Yes, that is an easy fix. Just cut the broken end off the cable. Go to auto parts store and get a new battery cable end for a couple bucks, strip back about 3/4" of insulation off cable and bolt the new end on.