2005 Grand Prix Positive Cable Problem

[davidinark]

My son's '05 GP has been having trouble starting. At first, I thought it was the battery connector, but we replaced it and the car ran fine for about a week. Then, it wouldn't start again. After multiple times of getting the car to start after seemingly random wire jiggling, I have narrowed the culprit down to the Positive Battery Cable that runs down to the lower part of the engine. When I move it (specifically the black wire on the left in the photo attached), the car starts fine. This stays in place for a random time and then obviously comes loose, shorts out, or whatever.

Since I have a VERY rudimentary understanding of things mechanical, I am wondering what would it take to fix this? Is this something easily done on my own or will it require a visit to the shop?

 

[Scottydoggs]

sounds like the pos cable to the starter is falling apart, or maybe the nut is loose on the starter.

un hook the battery, then get under the car and look up to the starter, theres one large nut and 2 smaller ones, iirc its like a 13 mm socket, make sure the nut is tight holding the cable. if its tight, move the cable around, if its moving and the metal loop is not, the cable needs to be replaced.

if you need a new cable, take the old one out, take it to the parts store, match it up for length with the new ones there. they are rather cheap, under 20 bucks most of the time.

 

[QUICKSILVER462]

Disconnect the cable at the battery first, then follow the positive battery cable down to the starter where it is attached to the stud on the starter, it is held on with a nut that is either 15mm or 9/16, tighten that nut, but do not over tighten as the stud will begin to turn inside the starter solenoid. Should be good after that.

 

[davidinark]

Thanks for both replies! I'll take a look and move forward from there.