Electrical issue- short?

NEWSMIKE

MEMBER
2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
60 MILES

HI- I have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. Over the past few months I have been having an electrical issue on cold mornings (under 30 degrees). When I turn the ignition to start the car, the whole electrical system dies- like there is a short in the system. The battery meter says the charge is fine, it isn't like it the system isn't getting enough juice, it is like somewhere there is a short- like a switch is flipped. To remedy the situation I pop the hood and jiggle the negative battery terminal connector. The power is restored and it usually starts right up. Sometimes it takes a few tries. I have tried coating the terminal in electricalytic grease, but that doesn't seem to solve the problem. When it isn't cold, everything works like it should. When I do get the vehicle started on colder days, the memory on the stereo it gone- clock, saved stations, etc. It also resets my trip computer, and usually turns the heater off. Any thoughts?

Monday, January 31st, 2011 AT 6:48 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

I think you solved it already by your dandy observation of the battery cable. Take it apart to clean and tighten it. Coating it won't do anything to help. You should not be able to twist the cable by hand. If you can, it's too lose. The lead cable and battery post must be shiny too. If they're black, use a terminal cleaner to shine them up.

The negative cable will also have a small wire that bolts to the car body. Be sure it's tight. There is likely a small positive cable that bolts to the under-hood fuse box. Be sure that connection is tight too.

Watch out for sparks because batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. When working on the positive cable, be sure the wrench doesn't touch anything metal on the car body at the same time.

Caradiodoc

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Monday, January 31st, 2011 AT 10:54 PM