The corrosion, which often takes the form of a white powder (lead sulphate) adds resistance, reducing the amount of electrical current that can get to the starter motor.Ĭleaning the terminals periodically using water and a wire brush will prevent this, but make sure you wear gloves and eye protection because the white powder is toxic and should not be inhaled, ingested or allowed to come in contact with your skin. 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel - battery indicator eye - I have a 2011 6.7 with 16000 miles and it just turned 5 years old. Well, the Magic Eye refers to a battery life indicator thats built into many car batteries these days. Once the engine is started, your car's battery is recharged by the engine-driven charging system – the alternator takes energy from the rotation of the engine via a belt drive to supply the charge current.Ĭorrosion at the battery terminals is a very common cause of a car that won’t start. Once the terminals are cleaned, make sure that the clamps connecting the battery cables onto the terminals are secure. The battery stores energy to be released in order to start the engine. Step 4: Secure the clamps on to the battery terminals. This type of battery is capable of providing the high current required by the starter motor to crank the car’s engine.

The lead-acid battery’s high power for its weight, along with its low cost, makes it attractive for use in cars. Charging reverses this chemical reaction, returning the sulphate to the acid. Sulphate from the acid coats the plates, reducing the surface area on which the chemical reaction can happen. Check Engine Light A Check Engine light indicates an issue with the engine or the emissions. Under the eye of the lid is a light guide tube, the tip of which is dipped in acid.

Lead-acid car batteries are made up of plates of lead and lead dioxide submerged in an electrolyte solution of about 35 per cent sulphuric acid and 65 per cent water.ĭuring discharge, such as when the battery is used to start the car or power the headlights, the sulphuric acid in the electrolyte is depleted, leaving an electrolyte solution with a higher proportion of water. A dark eye is normally an indicator of a battery with sufficient fluid, but one which may be low in charge. Some automotive batteries are equipped with a charge indicator.

Car battery indicator eye light