Battery/Starting problems

[Seanyjonny]

Was at the gym, went to turn key and the power died, figured it was the NSS because ive had this problem before, mess with the stick a little bit and power will come back. Was having a harder time this time, so got a buddy to jump me and it got power and started up. On the way home every time id slow down to a stop the power would drain and the car would almost die. As i was pulling in my drive way, luckily, it died and i coasted in. Figured it was the battery so i switched mine with my brothers. Was putting on the connectors and was having a hard time because sparks kept hitting me in the arm and id flinch and pull it back off, bolts wouldnt tighten, etc. FINALLY got a good connection and the wipers and lights stayed on and wouldnt turn off (even if the key was out of the car). Tried to start it and just a sustained whirl or a spinning, almost like a vacuum cleaner. Any ideas? All help is appreciated!

[fredjacksonsan]

First thing I'd do would be to check the battery cables for corrosion. Posts on here have shown corrosion up to 8" from the battery.