I have a 1999 Chevrolet suburban that when driving the positive cable connection keeps working loose and shorting causing me to loose all power to vehicle, no lights, brake power,or steering. The battery is only 7 months old. I also noticed the plastic covering for screw has partially melted. How can I fix this, I have already tried new screw and battery.

 

Side terminal? The torque value on that bolt is ~10 lb-ft. I'm guessing that it was overtightened before. Your problem is probably the localized heating at the terminal from the inadequate electrical contact now that it can't be tightened enough. The correct way to fix it would be to get a new battery (most places will prorate the replacement cost) and either repair the end of the cable or replace the cable all together.

 

jpak,

When our vehicles are new, most all of that stuff works real good, but...

As they age, Cables get stiff, Motor Mounts get looser, and there's a lot more "play" between the Battery and Motor.

IF you intend to replace the Cable, get one that's a little longer, and do one of those Screw type Cable Clamps to the Fender Well, fairly close to the Battery. That'll stabilize the connection if you intend to continue with the same Battery.

 

Thanks for your replies. I will try another battery, maybe I have been turning screw too tight.