[tsi1989]

I took my 2014 in to the dealer yesterday for an oil change. On the inspection report, they noted that the positive battery terminal was corroded. I attempted to remove the battery for cleaning earlier and the positive terminal broke when trying to loosen the nut. The front of the battery terminal was so corroded through the metal it just bent and broke loose.

What irritates me is they told me my battery was having charging issues at 15,000 miles but didn't change the battery. Now at 21,000, I've got a truck with a broken terminal that I'm sure will not tighten back down to even drive back to the dealer.

Has anyone else experienced this so early on? I have barely had this truck 2 years and only have 21,000 miles. I just went and looked at my 14 Rogue and it has the same battery with NO corrosion whatsoever.

Does anyone know if this item would be covered under the warranty and does anyone know if I call roadside assistance, will they tow the truck in free of charge?

Thanks

 

[JSutter]

A corroded positive terminal is a very common issue. I bought a handful of them to fix my families Nissans. They are cheap but if you can get them to warranty it good for you.

 

[mtyler11]

This would be a good test of how good a dealer they are. @ 2 yrs & 20k the batt should not be bad (yet). and since they made note of it @15k but didn't fix it (or ask you if you wanted it fixed and had you sign that you refused service) they should take care of you. At a minimum I would hope they swap the batt-term/fuse and scope the alternator to make sure its the batt that's actually bad and not the charging sys killing the batt. It would cost them 15-30 min labor & $20 in parts and net them a happy, returning customer.
If they do take care of you, and offer to replace the batt, ask if they will replace with a sealed unit instead of the stock replacement. If they say it'll be more money to get the sealed/maint free batt, offer to pay the difference. It will be better in the long run. IF for some reason they can't/won't replace the batt, put it on the short list for upgrades.

This is the fuse part holder-fusible link and the clamp-stud terminal should be replaced with a quality unit (brass/gold plated/marine)

Be sure to carry at least 1 spare fusible link along with an assortment of mini fuses.

 

[smj999smj]

I would think it would be covered under the 3-yr/36000 mile warranty, but it wouldn't hurt to call your dealer's service dept. or the Nissan customer hotline @ 1-800-NISSAN-1 to be sure.

 

[Skibane]

Now at 21,000, I've got a truck with a broken terminal that I'm sure will not tighten back down to even drive back to the dealer.

Replacing the terminal yourself is a quick and simple job. The terminals aren't particularly expensive - even if you buy yours at the dealer's parts department.

It'll take you a lot less time to do it yourself than you would waste at the dealership.

Also, you'll you'll familiarize yourself with the job, which is good - because you'll probably need to do it again someday.

 

[Clint]

After having it happen once years ago I put those felt rings under the cable ends and spray the terminals with corrosion resistant spray and they stay perfectly clean.

Clint

 

[BlueT]

I have a 2005 and just the last few years it's been acting up. Those clamps are not the best, I'd wedge a small piece of plastic just to keep the clamp tight, and lasted for years. Finally time for a new battery so i changed the clamp as well. I got a temporary one from the auto store (didn't work with clamp cover) until I got an oem clamp off ebay from a nissan dealer for less than $10. I keep grease on both terminals and it does not corrode at all. Although, when starting the truck on occasion recently I've notice a flickering noise and no start ---- found out the positive terminal comes loose ---- carry the 10mm wrench. Tighten it back up and good to go.
If you need a new clamp, I'd think its better to just replace it yourself. But, they should cover towing and repair if you have a warranty but best to confirm with them. Look at your insurance policy too as it may have emergency towing if your warranty does not.

 

[tsi1989]

Update:

I decided to call Roadside assistance yesterday and they came and picked my truck up and towed it back to the dealership. He calls me at lunch today and tells me that everything is cleaned up and the battery and terminal were both replaced.

I just checked and they left one more mess under there. I am very anal when it comes to a clean vehicle. I typically clean under the hood at least a couple times a year. I actually thought they would have changed the fuseable links the terminal is connected too but they didn't and didn't really clean it that well. There is corrosive splatter all under the hood. I guess that is what I get for expecting someone else to do it right. Guess I'll clean it all up tomorrow after work. It is just irritating that a dealership would clean (some/not all) the corrosive off the fuseable link but just spread it everywhere else. I think this dealership has nothing but idiots working in the service department! After the warranty is over, I'll go back to handling everything myself. At least that way, I know it is right!!!