Any Tricks for finding a bad ground?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 836
Likes: 89
From: Tucson Az
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
Any Tricks for finding a bad ground?
Tried to start the car today and got the click click and thought the battery was shot. I took the battery and had it checked and they said it was good. I put the battery back in and click click for a couple of tries and then on the third try it fired. It must have been a ground somewhere but I don't have a clue. Any advise as to where I should check for a bad ground.
Ron
Ron
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Rapid City SD
That's kind of a broad leap from no start to bad ground. Here's my point. Initially, the car doesn't turn over, just clicks. Battery checks out good. Reinstall the battery, just clicks. Third try, car starts. So, how does the ground, and what ground by the way, be bad on the first two tries, and repairs itself on the third attempt with the car stationary? First and formost is to ensure the battery cables are in good condition and free from corrosion. If you still have the stock cables, the center bolt can be removed, and the plastic cover slid off to facilitate cleaning. Baking soda and water are very effective.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Definitely sounds like the starter is not getting enough juice to turn it, but enough to click. The positive battery cable is attached directly to it and the ground is just above it on the block so you could check those to be sure. Also, do as mfrejek recommended and make sure all your battery cables/connectors are in good shape.
Otherwise, it's possible the starter itself is the problem.
Otherwise, it's possible the starter itself is the problem.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: OKC OK
maybe at the starter.....but just in case....you wanna check for these ..one ground under battery to frame and there are 2 ground straps on drivers side that connect to the frame 1 bolt it is near firewall but can be found easiest underneath car....i was having voltage fluctuations...since headers..no more erratic voltage?? i did have to remove altenator..maybe that fixed it???.......i discovered these when i put my dynatech headers on last week....
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 105
From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Also, a battery can test approx 12V with a Voltmeter and still be bad. Found this out on my 70. Battery showed 12V and local Auto Electric Shop guessed bad battery. Had it tested at Advance Auto and it was bad. Replaced with an Optima and no prob since.
Fred
Fred
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 836
Likes: 89
From: Tucson Az
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
Thanks for all the advise. It may or not be the starter I will wait and see. I pulled off the battery cables and wasen't able to get the plastic away from the metal so I scraped the 4 dimples that are on the cables that make contact with the battery and made them shiney. Tighten the cables good. I hope it was the connections but they looked clean to the naked eye. They are 5 years old. Again Thanks
Ron
Ron
