Alright, so the -3 degree weather here in Chicago caused the metal on the end of my positive cable to break. It's very cold, and my car is at work. I worked with what I had on me, to rig up the car to temporarily start. This is VERY VERY unstable and rigged up, straight shade tree mechanic level here. BUT it works, and will stay running if I Rev the car just a bit on start up. I am trying to avoid a tow fee here, and am just trying to get it back to my house.

So the question is I live 10 MI away from work...I think I might be able to make it back home with this setup. If not, oh well at least I got it off on a side road where I can actually work on it (place where i work isn't too keen on me doing this) so Visually, can you see if this will cause any permanent damage to the starter or battery? Just need to get it home and I will be able to properly replace this cable end. Everything sounds alright so far...

https://i.imgur.com/X9qphg7.jpg

 

I don't see a picture.

 

sorry I was trying to write out the post first, then edit in the pic so I dont lose what I wrote.

 

Looks like a great repair. Is the cable clamp fairly tight?
It might need to be jumped.
The setup looks ok for charging, maybe not for starting.

You should be able to drive home once it starts.

 

I read that you did manage to start it.

Have a warm ride home.

 

well the cable is loosely clamped to the new copper ring...the only thing pretty much holding the wire to metal is the electrical tape...which was fastened as tight as possible. It also doesn't help that I currently do not have a battery tie down

 

Can you squash the ring so that it would fit tighter,?

Cold you cut some metal from an aluminum can around the terminal to make it thicker, or aluminum foil?

Itf the terminal is too loose you might fry the alternator.

 

I might be able to crimp it better, but really don't feel like ruining the setup...the terminal itself is pretty tight. Its where the cut end of the cable is crimped to the copper metal ring that is very loose (area that is masked by electrical tape) you can even see those 2 prongs sticking out that are supposed to be crimped on the cable My main worry here is whether this could potentially damage the starter or alternator like you said...I'm terrible with electrical aspects of cars

 

Did you make it home ok?

 

Based on the situation that you've described I'm thinking that you likely don't have the ability, right now, to test battery voltage.

My point is ... to ensure you're alternator is actually charging your battery, test for battery voltage while the car's running. That'll tell you if you'll make it home or maybe not.

Provided the contact(s) are firm/stable enough for battery charging, I don't see any reason why your car should be operational.

 

Get a different battery terminal, they make them with a clamp like this for the larger wires to go underneath.