04 Chevy Trailblazer

[04TBowner]

Recently I purchased a new battery due to my truck needing to be jumped multiple times. After purchasing the new battery now my truck will not start unless I take the bolt out the positive side of the battery move the post to a post to a different position then the truck starts. After it is started I can move post to correct position and replace bolt. Once I turn the truck off it will not start again unless I repeat the above steps. There are no codes when put on the code reader everything reads okay.Can someone please tell me what this is I really don't want to waste time and money on multiple things if it is a specific problem that needs to be fixed

 

[Mounce]

Why not leave it in the position that works? But sounds like the wires might be loose at the terminal (connector, end of the cable, whatever you call the thing that the bolt goes through on the wires lol) I'm not sure if the crimp is visible or not there to check it though to see if that's what it is.

-Also, Welcome to the Nation!

 

[04TBowner]

The position I have to put it in is below where the bolt can be connected to the battery. I think there may be a short in the positive cable

 

[Mounce]

How do the mating surfaces between the battery and cable look? Should be free of rust or tarnish, if not hit it with some sandpaper.

 

[SirRobin53]

With some wiggling, the bolt will come out of the cable end molded plastic and I believe you will find corrosion hidden in there. I had a similar problem and that was what I found it to be.
And... Welcome

 

[BlazingTrails]

Welcome! Electrical problems often do not seem to meet with reason. Even if something does not seem like it would cause a problem like corrosion on the bolt, it often does. Be very thorough when cleaning the batter terminals. Tighten it just enough that you can not twist it by hand and no more. Buy a multi-meter to check where you are losing your voltage. It very well may have nothing to do with the battery connections. Good luck

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Clean clean clean all the connections and I bet it will be good as gold.

 

[04TBowner]

I tried to clean connections between cable and battery still won't start. Tried a new bolt still nothing. I think I need to replace positive battery cable. I'm scared to though because what if it won't start at all then

 

[SirRobin53]

Perhaps the connection at the starter is loose or corroded. As i reread your post, it seems that moving the cable helps with starting. Do you use jumper cables on the positive cable when repositioning or rest the bolt on the terminal of the battery? Can you wiggle the cable when trying to start IEpull/push/jiggle or other explitive of your choice? Beginning to sound like cable now.
The stock cable can seperate in the connector itself and the space in between can hide the corrosion. Check that as well.

 

[04TBowner]

I hope it is just the cable I really can't afford anything else right now

 

[04TBowner]

No I don't use jumper cables I just habe to remove the bolt and move the positive cable to a different position on the battety to start then replace the bolt once started. I'm SO over it

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

what other position on the battery? You have a dual post with side and top terminals? You may have a bad terminal inside the battery.

 

[04TBowner]

I have to put the hole on the metal piece connected to the cable under the hole where the bolt goes into the battery. Its a week old battery

 

[BlazingTrails]

Welcome! Electrical problems often do not seem to meet with reason. Even if something does not seem like it would cause a problem like corrosion on the bolt, it often does. Be very thorough when cleaning the batter terminals. Tighten it just enough that you can not twist it by hand and no more. Buy a multi-meter to check where you are losing your voltage. It very well may have nothing to do with the battery connections. Good luck

 

[04TBowner]

I have done all of that brend new battery and bolts. It has to be a short or corrosion in the positive battery cable!

 

[BlazingTrails]

Did you check it with a meter?

 

[SirRobin53]

The stock cable can seperate in the connector itself and the space in between can hide the corrosion. Check that as well.


Be SURE to look here if it is a OEM cable. Mine is an 02 230.000 on the clock and OEM...... still going

 

[04TBowner]

No they checked it with a device but I don't think it is the meter you are referring to. It was the device you use for codes. All codes read OK except for a brake sensor because I need new rodars

 

[BlazingTrails]

If you can't buy a meter and use it to check the voltages, then you need to take it to a shop. i bet even autozone or the like would diagnose it for you. we are giving you advise that you are not using.........

 

[04TBowner]

I did take it to autozone that is who put the code reader on my truck. I will take it back to see if they can do the other meter or I can just buy one. I am going there now I will let you know what it says to see what to do from the info I recieve

 

[The_Roadie]

A code reader is not a voltmeter. And Autozone parts clerks are not competent diagnosticians because if they were, they'd be working in a shop and getting paid for their excellent diagnoses.

You need somebody competent using a voltmeter to find out where the OPEN (not a short) CIRCUIT in your cable connector.

It's not rocket science, but it is science.

 

[04TBowner]

I found the problem on of the cable wires has a crook in it. Kind of like how a phone charger does sometimes. Is there a way to fix this or would it be better to just replace the whole thing?

I greatly appreciate everyones help on this! I'm sure you can tell I know very little about cars

 

[BlazingTrails]

Can you post a picture of it?

 

[04TBowner]

Yes hold on

 

[IllogicTC]

The "crook" in a phone charger often happens because the wires are so dang thin, and copper may be malleable but at some point it will break if it gets bent at sharp angles a lot.

I would replace it. An internal break in the cable could cause higher resistances, which in turn causes heat, which can be a fire hazard.

 

[04TBowner]

Thank you! I plan on replacing it, thats seems to be my only option. Is it easy to do could I do it myself? Ir would it be better to take it to a shop?

 

[BlazingTrails]

I would just buy the part and take it to a shop. Make sure and clean the throttle body before you hook the battery back up and start it.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Is it fixed since its for sale?

 

[04TBowner]

Yes only thing wrong now is it needs brake pads soon. Other than that it is perfect

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Front or rear..I got spares

 

[BlazingTrails]

Yes only thing wrong now is it needs brake pads soon. Other than that it is perfect

How much did you end up paying for the pump and having it pit in? It will be helpful for the next person.

Thanks

 

[04TBowner]

Both front is worst

 

[04TBowner]

I didn't have to fix it it just need to be tightened up. It was loose from when I replaced the battery

 

[BlazingTrails]

I didn't have to fix it it just need to be tightened up. It was loose from when I replaced the battery

 

[04TBowner]

Yes I know you told me to check that!!!