flipflop

My car had the OEM battery and it failed a battery test earlier this year. I decided today to replace it since it's old (almost 5 years) and I don't want to risk a battery failure later. I opened the hood this morning to look at the battery before going to the store and noticed two terminal covers (one black and the other with a red plus sign on it).

I went to the store and they offered to install the battery for free so I let them. I drove home and later opened the hood again to make sure they did a good job. And I noticed that the red plus sign terminal cover is missing (the black negative terminal one is still there).

I'm wondering how important is the cover? I've seen cars without it so I'm assuming it's not a critical piece. Is the main disadvantage just looks? (doesn't look good with the raw terminal exposed) or is there any significant practical benefit?

EDIT: I did some research and it seems I'm missing the one that is more important (positive terminal cover). I'm upset how sloppy they are, is it really that hard to just put the cover back on? And they should already know how important the positive cover is. I'm going to call tomorrow and ask if they still have it, but I'm not hopeful. If they don't have it, where can I find a replacement? Or can I just use the negative cover on the positive? (anyone know if it fits correctly?)

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

I don't think it makes any difference. I a thallus ere places my battery and terminals for something better looking and thicker cables. I don't think you should worry about if they're clean and on tight.

lysis250

iTrader: (18)

The cover might have went down a bit, it happened to me before just look harder and see maybe its there.

flipflop

Thank you for your reply! I went to check again with a flashlight and found the positive terminal cover off and down to the side. The plastic is black so I didn't notice in the garage lighting. The cover is now back on. I think I know why it came off. The cover is loose if it's just placed on the terminal, it has to be pressed a few times to snap back in.

ISland350

Nice! Love spot on posts like this

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

IMHO, if it wasn't important, Lexus and all other manufacturer's wouldn't spend the money for the terminal cover. It's purely a safety measure. It someone's working under the hood and accidentally touches both the positive and negative terminals at the same time, of if something flies off under the hood and touches the two terminals - Not Good!

Checking for a good job after you get home is like locking the barn door after the cow has escaped.

Lou

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Also check to see if the positive battery lead wire was safely secured with the factory clip back onto the side of the battery cover. Should simply click in. This same clip is a PITA to undue when installing a new battery.