Starting issues

2004 PONTIAC MONTANA
180,000 MILES • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MELANIE ALCORN ASHBY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Sometimes the engine starts, but when it does not I wiggle my positive terminal on the battery, take out the ignition and fuel relay fuses and put them back in and then it will start up.
Jan 23, 2017 at 8:42 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
Do not wiggle the terminal. That does not fix anything. Take both cable clamps off, then clean the connections. Be sure both clamps are tight when you are done.

GM already has a real big problem with their generators developing harmful voltage spikes. The battery is the key component in damping and absorbing those spikes. A loose connection can allow those voltage spikes to do even more damage than they normally would do. A loose cable clamp can turn a simple problem into a very expensive one if you do not repair it properly.
Jan 23, 2017 at 8:49 AM
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MELANIE ALCORN ASHBY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. I will be trying that in the morning!
Jan 23, 2017 at 10:50 AM
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