All power stopped and no power exists?

1998 HONDA ACCORD
144,000 MILES
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JIMBOMAC22
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  • 7 POSTS
using a ratchet to tighten distributor screw, ratchet accidently hit positive battery post. When tried to start car everything appeared fine until key turn engaged starter. All power stopped and no power exists (no lights, no accessory, etc.) If I pull the negative battery cable let it sit then replace negative cable I get all lights acts like all is fine then when key turn engages starter everything stops.
Dec 23, 2011 at 12:33 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 75,992 POSTS
This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:13 PM
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JIMBOMAC22
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  • 7 POSTS
The battery checked out fine.
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:13 PM
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JIMBOMAC22
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I also pulled the starter and it tested good. All connections are very good.
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:13 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
Check the connections and ground circuit cables. The shorting could have damaged the ground cables.

Something is loose somewhere resulting in loss of contact during high voltage discharge.
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:14 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 20,761 POSTS
Check the Maxi-fuses in the power distribution box
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:14 PM
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JIMBOMAC22
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Fuses have all checked out fine and the ignition checked out fine.
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:14 PM
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JIMBOMAC22
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  • 7 POSTS
I have checked the ground cable from the battery and there is a ground cable from motor to chassis that was the problem cranks great now.
Jun 25, 2021 at 12:14 PM
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