Need some help, I'm pretty good at replacing and repairing, but horrible at trouble shooting. Recently Ive been having problems with the battery terminal connections on my 2001 GC 4.0L, the neg. terminal completely corroded away. Both terminals have two wires going into them as one unit. I brought a universal one, striped the wire on both black wires and installed them onto the new connector. I believe there should be no difference with putting both wires onto one connector, I really didn't want to get involved installing the factory cable connector and getting involved with rewiring. The Jeep was starting fine until this Monday when I tried to start it, it was completely dead. It does start with a jump and will run for a short time, on the volt gauge it barely stays between 10 & 12 volts and than it just stalls and will not start unless its jumped again. I'm not sure if the problem is related to the connectors, battery or alternator. As you see, it wont stay stated long enough where I can take it to get checked. Any Ideas will be appreciated.

 

how long have you had your current battery?...you might want to consider replacing it...

or maybe its just time to replace your alternator...

 

Many auto parts stores will test your battery or charging system for free. If not, a major auto repair chain should check that for you for free. I don't live in NY, but that's what they do where I live...I'd look into that first.

 

taking it to advance auto or something like that would test it but ^^^ like he said...he cant make it there...

im guessing hes pretty far away from an auto parts store

 

thanks all, i believe the battery needs to be replaced, what I don't understand is if the battery is completely shot would this cause it stall or would this be more the alternator. Also the way I installed the terminal connector could that be a factor that would make it stall.

 

Oops, sorry...was just kinda skimming through what he said and didn't notice that part.

Well, you can check things with a multi-meter if you've got one...I don't know the test specs off the top of my head, but they shouldn't be too hard to find...

 

the connecters arent your problem...

if you jump it and it runs half way from point "a" to point "b" then your right it might be your alternator...

if i was you i would have someone follow me to an auto parts store to test the battery and every time you die just keep jump starting it until you get there hahaha ...

 

haveing a bad battery with these newer computerized cars can cause all kinds of bad operation. I would start with battery and make your connections are good and your ground is good.

 

ok guys, looks like it was the battery. I replaced it yesrday and so far so good. Thanks again for all the helap

 

check your alt, before it drains out you new battery...

 

Same problem is happening 2 me i cant start my jeep no electricity but it will get jumped and we let it run 4 a while.Then turned it off and started it right up but the next day same problem?

 

Are you sure of your connections ? Yes you can put them on one Terminal but make sure they are clean and well connected (sounds like they are not!).

Put a DC Volt meter across the battery when running it should be araound 14 Volts. When stopped it will read the battery voltage and should be close to 12 Volts.

The important thing is to see that the voltage increases when the engine is running...

I think you have a bad connection at the battery or the ground strap from the bettery....

 

Your best bet is try to get it too auto Zone, Pep Boys ect. they will check your charging system and lead you in the right direction. I couldn't keep the car running long enough to take it anywhere, so I proceeded to do process of elimination and replaced the battery Its been a month now and the charging system seems to be OK. Good luck!