Engine Ground Connector issues
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsville Md
Engine Ground Connector issues
I get the dimming lights and I read all about the the gounds and keeping them clean. So I removed the nut and pulled the connector off the post but I can't get the connector appart to clean the inside. Can someone post how to disconnect them withouth tearing them apart. Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If its corroded inside real bad, it might be that holding it together. Its pretty obvious how they come apart though. Bill Curlee has pictures in here of one of his. I had to replace one of mine years ago ad which of course wasn't available, so I just soldered all the wires together(lots of solder and lots of heat) and ran a single 12ga wire to a new mounting location as the post itself literally fell off the car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsville Md
My posts are solid so I think I'm good with that. I like to keep it stock so I'm going to clean them if I can get them apart. You said they're not available in parts stores? I may have to solder them together. I got the gray clip off the back but don't know how they disconnect. I'll look for Bills post. I should have searched him in the first place. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsville Md
No worries. I figured out how to disconnect the connectors without breaking the plastic piece. The grounds looked pretty clean. My headlights are dimming and I thought these ground connectors were the culprit. I guess I got to keep looking. Any suggestions?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Before I retired, each night (2nd shift work) when I would leave and get on the freeway, about 10 miles down the road, like clockwork, the lights would dim slightly. This happened each and every night. I checked lots of things and cleaned connections but nothing got rid of the momentary dim. Then I woke up and realized that the alternator, commanded by the PCM was switching from a high rate charge to a lower rate charge, due to the recharging of the battery following the startup for the drive home. The lights would not dim any other time on the way home. Now if you are seeing more than that, check the battery connections of course, battery age, starter solenoid connections where the alternator and battery both come together.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsville Md
Thank you. I got a new battery recently but need to check the other connections you stated. I have noticed the lights dimming during the first 10 min of driving as well. Maybe this is normal heh?
