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is this a battery issue?

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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 10:37 AM
  #1  
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Default is this a battery issue?

Problem: occassionally, when I push in the clutch and turn the car to run to start the car, I will hear a "click" and all the electronics in the car will shut off.

Temporary solution: I simply touch/begin to rotate the already tightened negative terminal and voila, every electronic wise is back on.

Problem 2: usually when I get back in the car I get a "pull key, wait 10 sec" message. (What the hell does this mean and why is it there?".

Solution 2: I wait a bit, take the key out, wait, and restart and either the clicking happens or it starts normally or I get they pull key error.

The first time this happened, I took it in and they said it was a bad battery, but after they replaced it, this same thing happened again with the new battery.

Can anyone help?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by gbpxl
Problem: occassionally, when I push in the clutch and turn the car to run to start the car, I will hear a "click" and all the electronics in the car will shut off.

Temporary solution: I simply touch/begin to rotate the already tightened negative terminal and voila, every electronic wise is back on.

Problem 2: usually when I get back in the car I get a "pull key, wait 10 sec" message. (What the hell does this mean and why is it there?".

Solution 2: I wait a bit, take the key out, wait, and restart and either the clicking happens or it starts normally or I get they pull key error.

The first time this happened, I took it in and they said it was a bad battery, but after they replaced it, this same thing happened again with the new battery.

Can anyone help?
Your temporary solution sounds like a problem. You should not be able to rotate either of the connections on the battery. If you can move them they are not tight enough. If the bolt seems tight perhaps it is too long for the battery you are using and you need a shorter one or a washer added.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by BigGun
Your temporary solution sounds like a problem. You should not be able to rotate either of the connections on the battery. If you can move them they are not tight enough. If the bolt seems tight perhaps it is too long for the battery you are using and you need a shorter one or a washer added.
it seems pretty short as it is. I feel like if it were any shorter, it wouldnt even stay in. and I'm not rotating them, but as soon as I put my finger and thumb on it as if Im about to rotate them, the battery reconnects.

it seems like such an easy solution. for the record, you cant rotate it while its in, its definately tight.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 01:13 PM
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I had a similar problem in my '96 C4. Battery played dead until I touched the neg. cable, then sprang to life until the next turn of the key. After playing hide and seek awhile, I finally realized the cable was corroded. Replaced and no more trouble. Check your cable and it's connection to ground.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 01:43 PM
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I agree with the corroded battery post. Happened to my 96 also. Just take them off and clean them up and all should be good.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 02:24 PM
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I have this same exact issue with the clicking. It only happens when its COLD outside. I have to try 6-8 times before it finally starts. I've done everything except check the starter connections underneath, which i guess I'll do in the Spring when it comes out of storage (I warm it up every couple weeks-its on a CTEK).

Last edited by poppyboy; Jan 18, 2012 at 02:26 PM.
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 09:12 AM
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make sure you check the negative batt cable to ground locations!
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 09:14 AM
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Yeah mine seems to happen only when its cold as well, like when I first start it in the morning.

Btw, thanks for all the great insight, guys! Ill definately check out the cable and grounding.

I wonder why it happens when its cold?
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