Negative Battery Terminal and Cable

[VanillaXT]

Hello!
I'm new to this forum. I bought my 2015 Xterra S in January of 2022.

My negative battery terminal is corroding fast. I cleaned and coated the terminal with dielectric grease a month ago and the pictures show what it looks like now (sorry one of the photos is blurry). Also, the negative battery cable has exposed copper and seems to be corroding fast as well in several places. I have a few questions.

1. The negative battery cable and terminal needs to be replaced, but it is complicated as it seems to connect to two places. Is there a better aftermarket cable with these connections? Could I make two cables myself to replace the one cable, so that one cable goes to each grounding point?

2. What is the size (gauge) of the original negative battery cable?

3. I have heard that corrosion on the negative terminal is caused by undercharging. Is it possible that I have an alternator issue, or is the corroded negative battery cable to blame?

4. I have a group 35 battery which I believe is stock and I think this size is fine for my use. The battery seems fine for now, but would I get less corrosion if I replaced it with an AGM battery?

It's warmed up since this morning here and is now -3°F (-19°C) and snowing. We'll probably see colder weather later this winter.

 

[outback97]

Welcome to the forum. I grew up in MN and briefly lived in Little Canada, not far from you. Moved to Utah in '97... I miss the lakes back there!

I don't know the answers to most of these questions, but re: #4 I have definitely seen less corrosion on my AGM batteries and longer life compared to standard ones. If and when you do end up getting a new battery, you can also go up in size to a 24F. You'll get more CA, more CCA, and more reserve capacity.

We have two Subarus and two Xterras... the Subarus have 2.5l engines and a Group 35 is their stock battery size like your 2015. The larger 24F was the stock Xterra battery size for the earlier 2nd Gens, then Nissan decided to cut some costs (I assume) and go with the smaller Group 35 battery. But, a 24F should drop right in to yours as well. If I lived somewhere as cold as MN I'd opt for more CCA.

 

[TerryD]

I cut my cable back and crimped on a ring terminal and use Marine terminals on my Xterra. They're common and easy to replace plus they make it easy to attach accessories.

 

[VanillaXT]

I found the original replacement cable (link below). The plastic thingy looks like it is just there to provide a plug for something. I wonder if I could wire it separately and simplify the entire setup.

2005-2019 Nissan Negative Cable 24080-EA200 | OEM Parts Online

2005-2019 Nissan Negative Cable 24080-EA200

nissan.oempartsonline.com

Also, I will consider the Group 24F battery, but RockAuto sells this Group 35 battery with similar specs to most Group 24F batteries, so I may go for that (see link). It does seem that an AGM battery would reduce the corrosion because it does not vent corrosive gasses.

More Information for FULLRIVER FT75035

 

[ffxcores]

Keep in mind that the Xterra alternator doesn’t put out enough voltage to fully charge an AGM battery. You’ll need a battery tender/trickle charger to supplement. I plug mine in usually at least once a month. Otherwise I think it stays about 80% charged.

 

[JeffPro4x]

FWIW, I've run a 24F agm for years and have never had battery issues. Granted, it doesn't get as cold here in PA as MN but I've never had to charge it.

 

[TerryD]

I put my AGM on a maintenance charger (NOCO Genius 10) during oil changes to top off the battery. Also if I do any amount of witching to keep it healthy.

 

[ffxcores]

FWIW, I've run a 24F agm for years and have never had battery issues. Granted, it doesn't get as cold here in PA as MN but I've never had to charge it.

You have X2 Power, right? How many years are you at on your current one? I have the exact same one as you so when yours eventually goes I’ll use that timeline as when I’ll start worrying about mine.

 

[JeffPro4x]

You have X2 Power, right? How many years are you at on your current one? I have the exact same one as you so when yours eventually goes I’ll use that timeline as when I’ll start worrying about mine.

Just over 2 years now

 

[outback97]

Keep in mind that the Xterra alternator doesn’t put out enough voltage to fully charge an AGM battery. You’ll need a battery tender/trickle charger to supplement. I plug mine in usually at least once a month. Otherwise I think it stays about 80% charged.

I had some similar concerns a couple years ago and posted about it here, though it was a fairly short thread that ended with a question that was never resolved and I still don't know the answer.

FWIW we have two Xterras with AGM batteries. On our '06 the previous owner installed Exide 24F lasted eight years before it started giving me problems. I replaced it with a Die Hard 24F AGM. On the '09 the previous owner installed Odyssey 34R is still going at now almost nine years. As far as I know, neither one had regular supplemental charging, except the '09 occasionally being topped up since it sits all winter.

IME the "need" to charge an AGM battery beyond what our alternator puts out may be overblown.