01 would not start for for two days. Symptoms were a single "tick" noise and the radio clock reset oddly enough. Tired the whole put it in neutral thing and no dice. Had a friend come by to help trouble shoot one morning. Went to check the headlights for dimming as he turned the key. It fired right up. Had no issues since (about a week).

Any thoughts? Luckily this was at my house and not somewhere else leaving me stranded. I am fairly competent with the wrench. I was thinking of checking all the wiring from the batter and or replacing the starter.

 

The radio shouldnt reset unless the battery was disconnected, so i would remove and clean the battery posts and clamps, to start with.

 

Yep. That's classic "loose connection" syndrome.

Can you post a pic of your battery terminals? Ah gots me a suspicion.....

 

i was thinking of getting new battery post clamps because my positive side is cracked. probably not a good sign. is it worth it to go over the whole thing and retighten all the grounds and such?

 

We cross posted!

Yes, it's ALWAYS worth it to go over the whole thing and re-tighten all the grounds. And don't just tighten them - take them apart, clean them, and reassemble with dielectric grease.

As for your terminals, don't go get those El Cheapos that they sell at auto parts stores!



Garbage!


Some guys like to use , and those are certainly better, but I prefer . One more attachment point, and they keep the battery cables down lower than the marine terminals do.

If your cables are shot, you can get custom cables made. There is a guy on this forum who sells kits, but I think he may be closing down. XJWonders. Do a search for him.

OR, order your own from BestBoatWire.com. I've used them quite a few times and it's always been great. I like to get the clear heat shrink on the ends so I can see what's going on in there.

 

I got a hold of xjwonders and will be getting a full set from him. thanks for the heads up.

 

Good deal. Everyone raves about his stuff. I don't think I've ever seen a complaint.

Ask him if you can get them with clear heat shrink. It's really nice to be able to see what's going on under the hood. I think he's offering the military terminals these days, as well as the marine. You can ask.

 

i figured that since i am in the military that i should go with the military ones just to keep things straight in my head and i cannot go with the marine ones since i am navy haha i will see myself out

 

You're a wise guy! You'll fit in very well around here!

 

The only right way to use those pictured (there are better out there) is to scrape the coating off where the plates clamp down, and buy the proper lugs to fit the cables and bolts in the clamps. Use heatshrink. Thats what i did with mine using a 10 ton hydraulic hand crimper, and heatshrink (i forget the brand) lined with adhesive. No issues. Using those clamps as pictured tho? No. Just no.