Another car question: Which component is causing my starting problem?

[MaxDSP]

Last week I tried to start my car and like usual, it cranked and I let the switch fall back. Usually, the second time I would turn the ignition, the car would crank and then turn on but this time, I turned the key, the LED's inside turned on and then everything turned off. Lights, dome light, locks, windows, etc did not work. I opened the hood and jiggled the battery cables a bit and then the car miraculously turned on.

After that, the same problem has occured, by my count at least 4 times. I jiggle the wires or tighten them and the car will turn on but no matter how hard I turn them onto the battery terminals, the same problem occurs. So, the battery cables seem to be the most likely culprit but could this also have to do with the battery being drained, the starter, or the alternator? My list of suspects from most likely to least likely is: cables, starter, alternator, battery. The battery is fairly new so I doubt that it is the problem.

BTW, I noticed that there was some light green powder forming around the battery terminals and cables. Could this be a clue?

1993 Dodge Intrepid ES
3.5 L V6
110,000 miles

Also, are there any good car forums I can check out and register at, since I'm always having car problems?

Thanks

 

[notfred]

replace the battery terminals. My car used to do the same thing. They get a layer of corrosion built up between the psot on the battery and the connector, and then the car wont start. Replace them with high quality terminals, and when they're tightened down there wont be any room between the pot and connector for corrosion to form in.

 

[Zenmervolt]

notfred is completely correct. Though my solution would be to just clean the terminals and cables, and then apply an anti-corrosion spray or grease to prevent it from happening again.

Zenmervolt

 

[MaxDSP]

Thanks guys.

Some quick follow-up questions:

1) The green stuff on the terminals was corrosion or a byproduct right?
2) How should I go about cleaning the terminals temporarily so I don't electrocute myself? It might be a day or two before I can buy a new pair of cables so I might just clean them temporarily
3) How hard is it to install battery cables? My dad can do it if it's hard but if it's easy, I'd like to surprise him since he thinks I'm dumb

Are there any car forums you frequent or know of?

Thanks

 

[Viper06]

Off topic.net has a few car forums and some others

 

[351Cleveland]

Bad battery cables... no question.... if it fixes itself when you jiggle the cables.. that is a pretty good sign the problem is there.

 

[notfred]

<< Thanks guys.

Some quick follow-up questions:

1) The green stuff on the terminals was corrosion or a byproduct right?
2) How should I go about cleaning the terminals temporarily so I don't electrocute myself? It might be a day or two before I can buy a new pair of cables so I might just clean them temporarily
3) How hard is it to install battery cables? My dad can do it if it's hard but if it's easy, I'd like to surprise him since he thinks I'm dumb

Are there any car forums you frequent or know of?

Thanks >>



1) Yep
2) Disconnect both leads to the battery, and clean one terminal at a time. use a wire brush or whatever gets it clean.
3) not that hard to install new terminals. Cut the cable back an inch or two, strip the end, and clamp the new terminal on.

mustangworld.com messageboard Sorry, I dont know any Mopar boards.

 

[MaxDSP]

<< Bad battery cables... no question.... if it fixes itself when you jiggle the cables.. that is a pretty good sign the problem is there. >>



hehe, I don't jiggle as much as I hit the cable and battery with a wrench. Kind of interesting I bring that up because the second time that it happened, after a lot of jiggling the car still didn't start. My friend took a piece of wood from my car and hit the battery and the car miraculously started. Anyway, thanks


Viper06, thanks for the link. I'll check it out

 

[Brutuskend]

bad connection on your Batt. Term.s
Is there corrision on them? (I see there is)
Get some baking soda and water and clean them if there is. Then coat everything (cables term.s) with Vasoline, that will keep the crud from comming back!

(also, in an emergancy you can dump COKE or Pepsi on them as well, it will clean the crud off, but leave a sticky mess!!)