Replaced my car battery and now it wont turn. Interior lights function..?

Question

I just replaced the battery in my 01 Mustang GT. I also replaced the terminal connection clamp on the positive terminal. I have power (interior lights, radio, headlights, etc. work fine). However, when I turn the starter, the engine doesn't turn, and I lose all the power to my lights, etc. If I giggle the positive connection, I get my power back, but still can't start the motor.

I tried jumping it, that doesn't work. I was able to push start it, but after I killed the motor, the same problem exists.

My battery guage shows I'm at full capacity.

Answer 1

the positive connection is still loose. Did you clean the terminals before you installed it?

It isnt backwards is it?

Answer 2

you either have a bad connection or if you have a factory alarm system it may have shut the car down,but it sounds more like a connection problem,you should also make sure the battery you bought has a full charge in it,sometimes new batteries wont be fully charged,their supposed to be but they aren't always,try fixing the connections and then jump start the car,see if it will start with a jump start,if not you have other problems with it,good luck on it.

Answer 3

check the wires on the starter... i had the same problem on my camaro before and all it was, is the power wire gong to the starter it was loose if you have someone turn the ignition key while you giggle the starter wire..... it should kick over

either that or your the connection or the bater you installed were bad for some reason but it sounds like everything on that end is cool

Answer 4

Starter solenoid, most likely. Follow the thick red cable from the battery to an assembly that has 4 posts on it. They usually only cost about $10 or so.

Answer 5

You apparently made a poor connection when you replaced the terminal connection. The wire must be clean and shiny, no corrosion. Clean both terminals and posts till they are shiny

Answer 6

On my Farmall A, I cleaned out the starter thinking that was it, it was spotless, so i tried using different batteries and different levels of power. it turns out the battery was fully charged, my alternator took care of that, the battery wasn't strong enough.

so, my advise to you is to find an owners manual and see if you are using the right volt. good luck. jake

Answer 7

may be a faulty battery

the new testers test not only for bad cells, but also
'cold cranking amps' which is the standard for batteries

is terminal clamp secure? good connection?
cable wothy of cranking?

Answer 8

Could be the alternator or the starter that needs replacement.

Answer 9

You have a bad connection, you need to redo them and make sure they are connected real good and clean and tight

Answer 10

sounds like poor battery connection