No Crank No Start, Checking Battery Terminals - EricTheCarGuy

No Crank No Start, Checking Battery Terminals - EricTheCarGuy

This is one of those situations where someone has gone in replacing a bunch of parts trying to correct a starting problem only for me to find that it was the battery cables and terminals the entire time. Next time you run into a no crank no start situation and you have these cheap battery terminals or damaged battery cables it's probably a good idea to check there first before you start replacing batteries and starters, it might just save you some money.

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ETCG

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[themoneyworth]

I really appreciate youtube users and vid makers. I was able to fix my van without taking it to a shop. I had no power to my car at all, thought it might have been the starter, fusible link or a bad ground wire. The problem was a bad connection between the battery to the starter. we had to take the wires off the terminals and got the corrosion off and tighten them back up. This saved me a lot of money because I was about to tow my car to a shop. This vid really pointed me in the right direction to what the real problem was. Thanks again.

[DLeathery]

6:45 "it's new but I'll do it anyway"
This kids is what's called.... INTEGRITY thank you Lord for letting EricTheCarGuy be a genuine man

[billsherman]

Glad you disconnected that negative battery terminal first! When you were working on the positive clamp I saw your wrench touch both the positive terminal AND part of the car's frame! Would have been major sparks if the negative terminal was still connected at that point!

[erikowens]

Eric you are the main reason I actually retain this stuff. I got to a technical school and when we started talking about parasitic drain and I actually replaced a faulty alternator the instructors were amazed. I took off my negative battery terminal before I even touched the alternator and the teacher was in awe. "You are the only student I have seen do it right". Then I refered him to your youtube channel. He said to keep learning the correct way by whatever means. Thanks.

[BVCxTDS]

OMG!!! I did exactly what you said and my baby is alive!!! thanks for everything man!!!

[MakefoodwithApril]

Thank you for your videos. Yesterday I had a had a no crank no start and all I heard was a single loud click from under the hood then all the power went out on the car. I used your videos to check the relays, fuses, test the battery and charging system and then did a voltage drop test. Turned out to be the cable that ran from the fuse box under the hood to the positive terminal of the battery (it was really rusted) . I had some room on the wire so I just cut off the corroded part and stripped it, cleaned the terminals and wires all up and it started just fine. So far so good.

02 Chevrolet Cavalier LS sport 2.2l DOHC

[gallison]

Eric, Thank you very very much for this video. Im not afraid to admit that I am not a car guy at all. My dad was the mechanic in the family and I was the computer guy but I did know enough not to go buying a starter and battery. I have a 1996 Chrysler Sebring so it was pretty close to what you had on video so it was very easy to follow. Thank you again. You have been a blessing.

[mtnton]

Eric, I'm just going to come out and say it; you're the best. Thanks for making so many awesome videos for us to view and follow. I'm a DIY guy and you've saved me thousands of dollars and that translates to thousands of dollars saved for my friends as well. Awesome! Thanks man!

[Matt]

This is why I'm subscribed to Eric the Car Guy by far one of the best mechanic on YouTube I have personally figured a lot of things and figured a lot of things out watching his videos. nice feeling when you can fix your own car

[tracymartinezrealtor]

2025 and this video just helped me on my nissan pathfinder 😂 you've been with me through so many cars and so many years, ty

[GammaCruxis]

I typically avoid using those crimp-style terminals - the ones that just smash the wire between the terminal. The invite corrosion and can pull out over time.

I typically use the moulded type of connector. Those are the ones that look like ring terminal connectors. You actually insert the wire in and crimp the entire end down, this seals the wire from corrosion. That black wire coming off the other side of the positive terminal is a fine example.

[nicolastremblay]

I knew when I clicked on your video that I would get every details of the subject. I wanted to know if my cable would be an issue even though it doesn't look that bad and your voltage drop told me everything I need to know ! The way you speak is clear and not too fast. I really like your video !

[brandonrichardson]

Wish I could’ve found this video first before I bought a starter 🤦🏾‍♂️😂 live and you learn

[hycron]

Cleaning the battery terminals makes such a huge difference. Holy crap.

[adams]

😂 thank you Eric always my savyer when a problem crops up with my car iv learn so much over the years watching and studying your videos
Anyway been having problems starting no lights no dash no crank etc every morning and trying to work out what could be going on upon looking at the battery terminals found the negative terminal had snapped managed to fix it for now but will need a connection when I get round to it
Thank you again Eric

[magicrobharv]

Eric, my daughter's car is having the same problems and the battery terminals look this bad. I will clean them and see if that helps. Thank you for taking the time to post this video. 

[MrRebustr]

When comes to connections i enjoy using some wire brushes and sand paper few times and my cars never fail on me ...batteries last longer and car loves it....show your car some love ....it will return the favor

[jeffreyolynek]

I love your stuff. I just wish I had watched this before I bought a new battery!

[caduceus]

Thanks for the info, Eric. One piece of advice: the terminal cleaning tool is tapered, as are the battery you should only insert and use that tool from the underside of the terminal, so it will maintain the proper taper to the terminal.

[PhattyMo]

I have seen some weird stuff happen in newer cars if the connections are even a little loose/dirty. Not so much problems with starting, but other weird stuff like the ABS light suddenly coming on, ECU having 'hiccups', heater controls acting looney, noise in the stereo, all manner of things.
Make sure they're clean and tight! It can save you a lot of headaches.