Need Help!!!!

[FastGN007]

I drove my car to blockbuster video the other night and everything was fine. I walked out and went to start the car. The fuel pump came on, the dash lights came on etc. I turned the key forward and nothing. Not even a click. The battery isn't even a year old. I looked at the negative cable and where it attaches to the block, it is fried. It is barely anything left. I need to get a new one and install it. How tough of a job is this to do? is there anything that needs to come off, any special tools?? i am from MD and am in Fort Wayne Indiana for college. I need to get this fixed relatively fast. Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[blackbuick87]

Why did it fail? Was it corroded (covered with white and green gunk) or just rusted through? If it was corroded you have a problem somewhere else also.

 

[FastGN007]

It was fine all the wya up to the point where it attaches to the block. There is about four inches or so that looks like it rusted through or melted.

 

[Chris Taylor]

This is common with a bad or loose ground conection. You need to replace the ground cable. You can purchase a new ground cable from GM or the local parts store should have the aplication fit. It is not hard to change. There is one bolt holding the ground cable on the block. Make sure to disconect the hot lead on the battery. Good luck.

 

[FastGN007]

I ordered a new ground cable from Caspers. I am at college now and don't have too many tools with me. What will i need to remove the original ground cable? Would this by itself cause the car to not crank over? It has no clicking sounds, but i have lights and the fuel pump works?? I'm hoping the bad ground cable is going to make it start again!!!

 

[6=8]

It should fix the problem!

The reason you have some power is the gound cable also has a smaller wire that runs to the fender... enough to run some accessories, but probably not enough for the hungry starter motor. Since you are not getting even a weak CLICK from the starter, you might want to check ALL the grounds from the block to the chassis (At the fire wall and a few others) They may be weak as well (Acting as a "Fuse" when your main ground cable died!) You may also need to have your battery charged, as a missing ground may have prevented the battery from charging properly.