Intermittent Starting Issues - Need help finding the cause.

[vschaos]

I am having the same issue. Got in the car this morning with inside light on. I went to turn key on and all power died. I got out and wiggled the battery(have done this before) and power came back I was able to start. This isn't the first time....I've had the battery tested and its fine(only 2 years old). I checked the cables on battery and all were tight when I got here to work. Over the weekend while coming up to a stop the car just died....pull over and get out to wiggle the battery and all is well. About a year ago twice in about a 2 month period the car died when the compressor kicked on, but went away. I always have AC off when starting the car, but still had the issue this morning. Could it be the negative cable, cam position sensor, ignition? At times when I turn key I continue to have power, but doesn't turn over or die...just wont start. So I turn off and back to on position a few times and it eventually will start.

I have moved this post to its own thread so that members can reply directly to it, rather than having it get lost in the 2-year-old thread it was originally posted in.

Zenmervolt - AnandTech Moderator

 

[i7Baby]

I did work as an Auto Electrician in another life.


Clean your battery terminals and cable lugs with a wire brush and/or emery paper - so they make good contact. Bolt them back together and rub grease over them to help prevent oxidation.

Also remember to not leave your light on overnight. And that any battery over 3 years old is nearing needing replacement.

 

[Vetterin]

I would also clean and check the negative cable connection on the frame of the car as well as the positive connection at the starter.