I have a 1999 Suburban and have had problems with the connection to the positive terminal on battery. Car has had intermittent problems starting. I found that the screw that goes into the battery (+) was stripped a little and I couldn't get a tight connection, so I got a new screw for $5 from the dealer and its nice and tight, but i'm still having intermitten problems. It looks like the metal piece that touches the metal on the battery side, has a few notches, and these might also be stripped a little. I'm thinking I need to replace the whole positive battery cable next (the battery is somewhat new and good).

How hard is it to replace that battery cable, and it looks like I can either get one for about $82 or one for around $20 ... I believe the former is a much longer cable?

I'm tired of the car not starting and always having to tighten the screw. Now I'm convinced the screw is tight, and its must not making a good connection and needs a new battery cable.

thoughts?

 

When in doubt ... change it out.

 

I have had the exact same problem. Solved it by cleaning the contacts and cranking down on the screw with some locktight adhesive. This also solved my emissions problem and state inspection, because everytime the battery malfunctioned, it reset my O2 sensors.

good luck.

 

Had the problem with a few different dual lug terminals. Best to replace the bolt and lead washer. The lead washer gets smashed and causes the intermittent connection. I have also ground a fraction off the existing bolt so it doesn't bottom out and makes for a quick fix. Don't crank on the bolt too hard or you could puncture the battery and cause it to leak.