Just recently the wire that connects to that battery (that goes to what I've been led to believe is the solenoid) has corroded off. I believe it goes to the solenoid because I get no power unless this little wire is touching just right. I finally got it to start and then once started undid my rigging (slightly unsafe) and then put it somewhere until I could figure this out.
Bottom line, will anyone take a picture of their battery, especially the positive terminal. I've spent the last hour on this site and google looking for a decent picture but I can't find one. So please, anyone, help me out and post a picture!
Thank you guys so much!
Some Please take picture of your battery!
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Re: Some Please take picture of your battery!
If you are talking about the wires at the battery terminal end of the positive wires, I think the heavy wire goes to the starter solenoid contact, the small wire down on the starter that activates the solenoid comes from the ignition switch. This smaller wire activates the solenoid so the heavy wire contact is made with the motor windings to turn the starter, and engage the starter gear of course.
The smaller wire on the "+" battery terminal (but still a heavy gauge wire) usually goes to the fuse box, or the "main fuse", which powers everything else, including the ignition switch (where the power comes from that activates the solenoid, and the electronic ignition, alternator, etc.). If it is not connected to the starter, and anything else that uses electricity in the car, will not energize.
I think the factory positive terminal has both the heavy wires (large and smaller ones) coming out of the clamp. These often get corroded or fatigued and can break off.
All you need to do is make a permanent and solid connection with both wires to the positive clamp on the battery. If you replace the clamp with a factory one you will also have to the buy the wire assemblies as well, likely costly and not necessary. You can buy a generic battery terminal clamp from any auto parts store, they do not cost very much. You will likely also need to get a solderless terminal for the broken wire end to make a reliable contact with the new terminal.
If you can rig it to drive to a local auto parts store and show a good parts person what you have, they can find all the bits and pieces you need to get it all together permanently.
Note that if you drive the car without the smaller wire connected to the battery ternminal the battery may not recharge, and all the electric stuff will run directly off the alternator, so I would not drive around with the wire disconnected from the battery very much.
Good luck.
The smaller wire on the "+" battery terminal (but still a heavy gauge wire) usually goes to the fuse box, or the "main fuse", which powers everything else, including the ignition switch (where the power comes from that activates the solenoid, and the electronic ignition, alternator, etc.). If it is not connected to the starter, and anything else that uses electricity in the car, will not energize.
I think the factory positive terminal has both the heavy wires (large and smaller ones) coming out of the clamp. These often get corroded or fatigued and can break off.
All you need to do is make a permanent and solid connection with both wires to the positive clamp on the battery. If you replace the clamp with a factory one you will also have to the buy the wire assemblies as well, likely costly and not necessary. You can buy a generic battery terminal clamp from any auto parts store, they do not cost very much. You will likely also need to get a solderless terminal for the broken wire end to make a reliable contact with the new terminal.
If you can rig it to drive to a local auto parts store and show a good parts person what you have, they can find all the bits and pieces you need to get it all together permanently.
Note that if you drive the car without the smaller wire connected to the battery ternminal the battery may not recharge, and all the electric stuff will run directly off the alternator, so I would not drive around with the wire disconnected from the battery very much.
Good luck.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
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Re: Some Please take picture of your battery!
You have been very helpful and seem to know exactly what I needed to hear. I've only used it 3 times without the small wire on there so hopefully it will be good. Is there anyway I can soder the connection back?
Thank you for your help, the information was extremely helpful.
Thank you for your help, the information was extremely helpful.