[Dan Orgill]

I took my car out for the 1st ride of the year today. It fought me a little starting it up ( didn't put a charger on it, just fired it ), but once it was going all appeared fine.

I drove around for about 10 minutes and stopped for gas. Unfortunately, needed a boost to get going again, but another customer was more than willing to help me out, very nice fellow.

I drove around more, went on the highway to help with the battery charge. I got home and parked in the garage and shut it down. I immediately tried to restart and got absolutely nothing, not even a turnover or a click.

When the key was back in the off position, it appeared that I had power again, as the clock began turing. When I turned the key to the on position, the clock stopped, and there appeared to be no power. Just for kicks, I put the key in the off position, and pressed my hazard button in ( which would be on ). Once again, the clock stops, interference to the power flow of some sort?

I revisit the battery cables, and twist the positive cable around a little ( no corrosion on terminal or cable, still like new ), and move it to a slightly different alignment on the post. Now I've got power in all key positions and the car fires right up. Hooked up a charger to the battery, and it reads full charge.

Is this just a matter of finding the " sweet spot " on the cable/terminal, of should I be concerned?

 

[mr 4 speed]

Is this just a matter of finding the " sweet spot " on the cable/terminal, of should I be concerned?

Dan..its the sweet spot as you mentioned.Been there and experienced that over the years.
Darn top posts!

 

[Hi-po SS 454]

I had the same problem a while back Cleaned the cable ends and the batt posts even tho they didn't look bad. Worked fine, Than a few days later the problem started again. I went to the starter connection from battery and cleaned that cable end. Found a little loose also. After that, worked perfect with no more problems. Hope your that lucky

 

[Don_Lightfoot]

I hear ya Dan. A couple of times a year I need to fiddle with the battery connections to get them right. I use the spring ring cables which doesn't help.

 

[Chris R]

Are you are twisting the cable without having to loosen the cable? Are the cable ends those spring loaded original style? They may not be holding tight enough to make a good connection.

 

[Dan Orgill]

They are the original style. I've gotten it pushed down as far as is advised ( top of the terminal flush with the spring portion of the cable ) , so here's hoping they are OK.

 

[427chevelle]

Had the same problem years ago. Cleaned cables at battery and starter.
Still had the problem. Replaced positive cable and cut open the cable to see it corroded under the plastic.