Followup to 2000 GTP starting issues

[CrazyHorst]

Drove my 2000 GTP Saturday night on a short run...lots of condensation in the air as I had to keep the wipers going.

Sunday the key fob would not open any of the doors. I entered with the ign key in the drivers door and made the mistake of inserting the key into the ignition where I confirmed everything was dead. The mistake was because I had a full complement of tools in the trunk...but my key was now stuck in the ignition!

Luckily, the "ski door" was unlocked in the rear seat and I was able to retrieve what I needed.

Had 12vdc between the battery terminals, but zero volts to the B+ wire above the fusebox on the accessory drive end of the engine.

Turned out the B+ ring-terminal had developed white corrosion on the flat which developed into insulating material. There was no outward sign from the red protective boot. I scratched & chipped the ring-terminal clean with a screwdriver and reinstalled with immediate improvement.

I suspect this may have been my problem with some recent no-starts, mostly hot-starts after filling the tank with fuel, and the 2nd try always was successful...will have to continue to monitor.

I have seen this same issue with another W-car (L36 Buick Regal), and my own S-10 had it bad enough to eat completely thru the B+ wire! I believe GM has eliminated use of side-terminal batteries and gone back to the old-style top-post batteries.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by CrazyHorst

I believe GM has eliminated use of side-terminal batteries and gone back to the old-style top-post batteries.

Yeah I noticed that looking at a 2008 GXP a few months ago. Top terminals are now being used. Some of the aftermarket battery companies like Optima are doing the same. Both top and side terminals. But the issue of the post/terminals pulling out most likely due to over torquing the 8mm bolt is unique to Delco batteries. Corrosion is normal depending on where you live and whether you do preventive maintenance.

[CrazyHorst]

Actually...the battery terminal is still the only part on the car that's not metric. 5/16" hex and 3/8" x 16 tpi thread.

You are correct that the thread goes into a lead (Pb) pocket...so there isn't a lot of room for error on the side of too tight.

I had the complete chunk of battery lug fall out on my 1-year old Trailblazer with the B+ ring-terminal still attached.

And I have heard many reports of same talking to people I know. I think the top-post leaves much less variation in what happens in the field. The new-style battery lugs appear much superior to the old-style junk where the nut galls directly into the split terminal.