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    strange starting problem

    Ok, here goes my story (its a tad long because its a weird problem that needs explaining):

    Last night I'm running around doing some chores and everything is all good. I park illegally when I got back home because I knew I was going to be out again in 30 minutes. Ok so I go in and come back out so I can go pick up my GF at work. I unlock the car (with the keyless system installed by the PO) and get it. When I try to start it up, it makes a loud, fast clicking sound coming from my engine bay, and the lights on the dash go on and off along with the sound. My first thought was the starter. I tried starting it maybe 5 times. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the battery because I was able to turn on and headlights and cd player. Next, I go back in my house to phone a friend, etc. So, I go back my car with my AAA card ready to get it towed to my actual parking spot down the street. I try to unlock my car and it makes a weird, low pitched, light sound... but unlocks. I get in, and now it is completely different. When I try to start it up, it makes no sound, and the lights on the dash come on and then dim really low and start flickering (kinda like a haunted mansion). Does this a couple times until it goes back to what it was doing before. For some reason, I thought that taking a look at the battery would help. I jiggle the negative line a little and my car alarm goes off. I lock and unlock the car to get it off. Then, I get in, and the car starts up just fine! I call AAA, cancel the tow, and go to my parking lot down the street and park my car where it should be. When I parked it, I shut it down, and tried again, and it was the same clicking sound, non-running crap.

    What the hell is wrong?

    #2
    loose battery cable? if jiggling fixed it the first time maybe it is just loose.
    sigpic

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      #3
      Yah its not exactly lose, it was just jiggle-able. It runs perfectly now after I went out to take a look at it. There was a little moisture on the battery. Thats a no-no.

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        #4
        A properly tightened cable should not at all be "jiggle-able".
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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          #5
          If it is not loose on the battery, it is loose at the ground point. Your simptoms were a "low" battery. The battery itself was fully charged, but since the connection sucked, it would not allow the proper amount of voltage to reach the car (starter, dash, ect). The clicking and flashing was your componants trying to work, but not being able to.
          Originally posted by cabriodster87
          "Honey? What color is this wire? Is it the same as that one? Are you sure? I don't believe it. OK, it works. Thank you sweetie."
          Originally posted by Kershaw
          i've got a boner and a desire to speed.

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            #6
            yeah, make sure them terminals are clean and whatnot. a small plumbing pipe cleaner should do the trick.

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