Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

Clamps? Starter or Alternator?

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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 06:43 AM
  #1  
Austin Del Sol's Avatar
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Default Clamps? Starter or Alternator?

My 97 Honda del Sol won't start now. I am a female and don't want to take it to some Joe Blow mechanic who is probably going to rip me off!
It has a brand new mega battery. It will start if you wiggle the battery terminal clamps or move them a certain way. The positive one is very corroded.
How do I know if it is not the starter or altenator?
Depending on how much I move around the clamps, either I get just a click noise with all idiot lights or it starts. But also, if I drive it and it idles very low, it acts like it is going to die.
Should I start with new terminal clamps? Should I buy OEM or go to Advance Auto Parts?
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 06:59 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: Clamps? Starter or Alternator?

Clean the corrosion off of the battery terminal and the clamps for a start.
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 07:14 AM
  #3  
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Default Re: Clamps? Starter or Alternator?

I second that. If they aren't tight on the battery posts then the battery isn't connected is it?
http://www.mastertectools.net/image_atmx/30110.jpg get one of these, they are like $5 and they work really good.
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 07:25 AM
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Default Re: Clamps? Starter or Alternator?

If they aren't tight after the cleaning you may need shims.
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 07:58 AM
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Default Re: Clamps? Starter or Alternator?

Any corrosion or bad grounds will cause you charging system to not wok properly. Start by doing what grumble said, clean the corrosion and go from there. Troubleshoot your way to the actual problem. If after you clean the terminal and still no start, check all your grounds and make sure they are clean and tight.

Kev
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