99 won't start...sometimes- UPDATE with pictures of battery terminals

[TimTX]

I have a weird issue and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

Last weekend, i went to start the truck and when I turned the key...dead, nothing, no noise, dash lights, etc. I took the battery out, tested at O'Reily's, tested good. Put it back in. To knock myself out, I went and tried to start it...cranked right up.
Drove it a couple times. When I drove it today, the radio would intermittently cut out. No other lights would dim or cut out. It would happen when I would hit a significant dip in road, break (truck would have nose dive). Again, no affects on AC or anything else...but cut about every 2 minutes or so during my city driving today, no affect on any engine, dash, etc.

So I get in to go out to dinner. Like a week ago, turn the key and no noise, dash lights...nothing, dead. I turned the key back (to turn on radio), turned on radio so I cranked it back...started right up.

I would guess electrical. Alternator was changed years ago with OEM. Battery tested good, but is 5 years old. You guys are better than AI...but sounds like it might be ignition switch is developing loose contact and need to change it out?

Once its on, the engine nor anything is affected...just the radio so far. I'll probably take it to a trusted mechanic next week and hopefully it acts the same for him.

Thoughts? TIA,

 

[89BIGBLUE]

Check battery ground?
I'm watching this, as my 99 did something similar a few weeks ago, and hasn't since I wiggled and checked battery terminals...but they did not appear to be loose. Brows are still kinda raised...

 

[TimTX]

I checked ground wire from batter to frame...seemed tight and not loose. Maybe I'll try just making sure its tight. Whatever it is, had radio issues when I would go over uneven pavement (vibrations) and dips...so a loose contact somewhere seems, but where lol

Thanks for any and all feedback...keep it coming lol

 

[89BIGBLUE]

I checked ground wire from batter to frame...seemed tight and not loose. Maybe I'll try just making sure its tight. Whatever it is, had radio issues when I would go over uneven pavement (vibrations) and dips...so a loose contact somewhere seems, but where lol

Thanks for any and all feedback...keep it coming lol

Check that they are tight on the battery too, and no corrosion.

 

[Dirt J]

Check your ECU for signs of water intrusion. Especially if known windshield leak, etc.

 

[TimTX]

So, was cleaning off the battery terminals and found this...

The top part basically popped out of the part in my finger I'm curious how this should go. I'm guessing this is my culprit. It's on the positive side of the battery... but still, the bolts just slid out when i went to sit it back on the terminal.

Should I take the bottom nut off, slide the lead part and then tighten the nuts...or get additional nuts?

 

[TimTX]

Looks like maybe PO rigged it up? It should be a single...like the one below? Please confirm and I'll go buy one of the correct ones. I like to get OEM parts...but not sure I should spend on this part lol

 

[TimTX]

Pictures mean 1,000 words...current state. Looks like maybe a PO got creative...or so they thought. Thoughts?

 

[Dirt J]

Yeah they hacked up your original terminals. Also, you've gotten your money's worth out of that battery.

 

[TimTX]

What I was thinking too when I dug in. Hack job, will clean up the terminals and get a new battery.

I had it tested and it was good, just no need to take any chances. Battery and tires...rest of the truck could be band new, but if either fail, your stranded or injured, or both.

Should be single on both sids...like this, correct? I just join both ground wires under the "clamp". Single bolt is all that is needed on the positive terminal.

Thanks for the help! Appreciate it,

 

[Dirt J]

Many on here, myself included, "upgrade" to aftermarket terminals. I use military style. There's a least on vender that sells some really nice one$.