I have had this recurring problem with my car. It started Winter '04. Sometimes, when I go to turn on my car, my dash lights wont come on (and I can't of course turn on the car). I still don't exactly know the cause of this problem. I'll turn on to dash lights, and radio will come on, but no dash lights. Then of course I press clutch in/turn key, but it won't turn on. I took it to my mechanic a few months ago and they replaced my battery terminal and cut the battery cable about 3 inches and used the new tip(old portion of cable was corroded). Now the problem has come back (sporadically), no dash lights. Anyone experience this problem or can help out? The mechanic is quoting me about $150-200 to replace the entire battery cable. I don't know what it could be, I thought the problem had been fixed. (It didn't mess up after they fixed it, just came back recently). Thanks.

-Juki

PS. After a while of jingling with the battery terminals/wires, I'll keep trying to start the car, and itll work. Very puzzling.

 

Are the terminals loose on the battery? If so, stick a metallic object in between the gap so the terminal will be tight on there without any free play. That is the only way to ensure a proper connection and ground for the cars electrical system to function correctly.

 

No, the terminals are tight & secure. I can't wiggle them at all without shifting the whole battery. 1 is brand new, and the other is in good condition...I still don't know what it is, problem is its sporadic (very annoying). Bump?