Finding a Bad Starter Battery Connection

We had a client call in for advice on a recurring auto starter problem. The other day the starter would only click, although the lights, horn and entertainment were fine. They took out the battery and asked the store to test it. “Nope,” the clerk said. “The battery is fine maybe get the starter motor checked.” At that stage, nobody thought of looking for a bad starter battery connection.

Finding a Bad Starter Battery Connection Under the Hood

“Is the car starting okay now,” we asked. “In that case bring it around and we’ll take a quick look.” When the client arrived we were onto the problem right away. Because it turned out their auto was a 2003 Toyota Camry Solara, and it was unlikely the battery was new.

“You may have a bad starter battery connection,” we told them when they arrived at the front office. “Pop the hood and let’s see if she will start right now.” The aging Toyota Camry Solara refused to turn over, let alone start. “So it’s definitely the battery,” the client asked. “I wish you made starter batteries along with your other fine lead-acid products.”

However We Were Able to Assure Him the Battery Was Fine

We asked the client to try the auto starter again, while we jiggled the two battery wires carefully, one at a time. If you try this yourself, please make sure to wear insulated gloves, and keep well clear of moving parts and other electrics.

The Toyota Camry Solara turned over perfectly with the second jiggle of the positive cable, and roared into life. “See,” we explained to the delighted driver. “You have a bad starter battery connection and we’ll fix it right now. We removed both terminal connections, starting with the neutral one to avoid a spark.

Then we cleaned the battery terminals with an old toothbrush dipped in a baking soda solution, and wiped them clean with a damp cloth. All was good after we reconnected and tightened the cables. It is always a pleasure to help a fellow traveler along life’s road.

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