Hi Guys,

I am trying to figure out why my car has trouble starting, it happens maybe 1 out of every 20 starts. The car won't start and the dash lights disappear when I try to start. To fix this all I have to do is step out the car, lock the doors with the remote fob, unlock the door, get back in and the car starts up with no problem. However the car asks for the navi code when I encounter this. When the car does start, it fires up immediately with no struggle. This happened in the summer of last year but went away until recently.

I have replaced IGP and ACC fuses in the under dash fusebox. I think I might have a grounding problem or a starter problem.

Anyone know what type of issue is this? Also if I had a starter that is going bad would it cause the car to ask me for the navi code upon startup?

I am not a mechanic and am trying my best to figure this out. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Battery terminals

 

I took a look at the terminals and it looks (to me) in good shape. I am not seeing any discoloration and the connection looks secure. Is there a test I can to confirm if it is the battery terminals?

 

Take them off and clean the terminals with a wire brush until they're shiny to ensure a solid connection.

 

Pull on the battery cable clamps and try to rotate them on the terminals. If a clamp moves, it wasn't solidly attached to the battery.

Also check the tightness on the ground end on the negative cable and check for corrosion along the positive cable behind the clamp.
Other 3G TL members have experienced loose negative ground connections and corroded positive cables (but never both, FWIW).

Clean and tighten anything that moved.

The Navi asking for a code means the electrical connection or electrical power was lost-- that doesn't happen when the starter is going bad.

 

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE REPLIES. One of the terminals (black one) was indeed loose. Thanks again.