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**Return of the car noob** Car not starting.

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System_Mechanic said:
do you just not own the right size socket or is it due to space?
kinda looks like a 1/2 "...no wrenches?

if i had to, i'd just cut the cable and buy a new one, but you should really just buy a tool you can get in there with, may come in handy and can be found cheaper than a new cable probably.
Click to expand...

It's due to space, there is sort of a metal hood around the nut there, so the sockets do not really fit in there because it needs to be flatter and thinner. I tried all of the wrenches of appropriate size. Seems to be closest to 3/8 or 10 mm, but I can't get any leverage.

KT
 
Does the socket not fit because the bolt sticking out is too long? If so, you can get sockets that are deeper and should work. For this job you can get a set of deep sockets from any hardware store that will work, but if you're planning on keeping them around to do jobs in the future I'd go ahead and get a nicer set.

EDIT:

You updated while I was typing, looks like your problem won't be fixed by a deeper socket.
 
Bignate603 said:
Does the socket not fit because the bolt sticking out is too long? If so, you can get sockets that are deeper and should work. For this job you can get a set of deep sockets from any hardware store that will work, but if you're planning on keeping them around to do jobs in the future I'd go ahead and get a nicer set.

EDIT:

You updated while I was typing, looks like your problem won't be fixed by a deeper socket.
Click to expand...

I could try a super long one maybe, since every one I have still ends up resting on the battery, so it's not perfectly parallel due to the cable/nut being so close to the surface of the battery. So ridiculously frustrating.

KT
 
It's 10mm, deep socket, and extension, spray some kind of rust penetrant on it.
You may have to use some vise-grips on the square head if it is really stuck.
Also, sometimes you can get lucky and just twist the terminal and it will come off.
 
Looks similar to one that I have. Have you tried a 7/16" socket?

The square side of the socket doesn't need to be turned unless something is broken, because it's retained by the terminal ring itself.
 
Howard said:
Looks similar to one that I have. Have you tried a 7/16" socket?

The square side of the socket doesn't need to be turned unless something is broken, because it's retained by the terminal ring itself.
Click to expand...

I tried a 7/17 and a 10mm, but the 3/8 seemed to be the closest. However, like I said I had issues with the socket, so maybe I need a longer one.

I'm not sure what you mean with your second sentence. The back side of the screw is completely closed off and has nothing I can work with.

KT
 
KeithTalent said:
I'm not sure what you mean with your second sentence. The back side of the screw is completely closed off and has nothing I can work with.

KT
Click to expand...

he means that side is supposed to be locked in so the bolt wont turn when you turn the nut on the other side to get it off.

do you have a picture of the other side?
 
PottedMeat said:
that side is supposed to be locked in so the bolt wont turn when you turn the nut on the other side to get it off.
Click to expand...

Yeah I get that, just was not sure what Howie was talking about. Probably my feeble brain. 😀

KT
 
You could always use two open ended spanners of correct sizes, and a bit of penetrating oil. You only need to loosen them a smidge, then the connector will come off.
 
heck with it, cut off the terminal, if wire is long enough, buy a new terminal, if wire is too short, but a new wire that comes with it...i think their about $10 and in your case, probably worth it.

if you only start it once a month, undo the terminals each time, better to just put the battery in the garage, trickle charge once in a while otherwise you'll be replacing that battery before you know it.
 
You should be able to get a socket on that..might have to tap it to get it seated, but it should work fine.
 
don't most auto stores/ battery stores change batteries for free? i know they do wipers and check batteries/alts for free.
 
System_Mechanic said:
heck with it, cut off the terminal, if wire is long enough, buy a new terminal, if wire is too short, but a new wire that comes with it...i think their about $10 and in your case, probably worth it.

if you only start it once a month, undo the terminals each time, better to just put the battery in the garage, trickle charge once in a while otherwise you'll be replacing that battery before you know it.
Click to expand...

You mean cut the wire? That sounds a little scary.

System_Mechanic said:
don't most auto stores/ battery stores change batteries for free? i know they do wipers and check batteries/alts for free.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but how do I get the car there, have it towed? I don't really want to pay for that; seems like a waste, though it could come to that.

I'll try the socket again later and maybe I can hammer it in like jlee suggested.

KT
 
I'll take a look at my car when I get home and possibly post a video. I have the same setup and have had the battery out before and don't remember it being anything out of the ordinary. At least I'll be able to report on the correct socket size or what works best for removing the bolt.

Slag
 
Ok the side we can't see, which is square, is held in by the folded over flange on the terminal so you don't even need a wrench on that 'side'.


The side we can see is the only part that needs a wrench. You'll definitely need a deep 1/4" socket, and possibly a universal joint so you can attach your ratchet at a slight angle. From the pic you posted it looks like you might not be able to get the socket over the entire bolt but it should be enough to loosen..

That looks like an OE terminal, it's possible someone removed the square bolt/nut and flipped it or something.. But whoever installed that definitely didn't use any oddball tools FWIW.

Edit:

Definitely don't cut the cable, bolt, etc... There's probably something simple you're missing with it, I'd hate for a simple job to turn complex 😛
 
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If you want to see if a deep socket will work, just fit the socket by hand. The bolt should go through the end where the drive normally fits into. If the socket fits, then a deep socket will work.
 
Ok, thanks guys. I'll see what I can work out when I get home tonight; I won't chop anything off before consulting here.

I swear the prop bar for the hood of my car is missing; I had to rest the hood on my head as I was looking around in there because I could not, for the life of me, find the rod that is supposed to prop up the hood of my car. 😀

Anyway, thanks for putting up with all of my annoying, dumbass questions.

KT
 
I'm fairly sure maximas probably use struts on each side, they probably wore out and someone removed them.

IIRC there are cheap aftermarkets available for most cars.
 
You need:

A small pair of pliers and a crescent wrench.

Use the crescent wrench on the nut in the foreground by adjusting it to the correct size, use the pliers to grip the square head of the bolt and turn while holding the crescent wrench steady. You do not need to remove the bolt, just loosen it a little so the loop can slip off.

You could replace the crescent wrench with a set of needle nose pliers if you wanted
 
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Also, please don't hammer a socket on and don't cut the cable either. These are additional headaches you don't want to deal with.
 
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