Ground Wire Issues.

Moments after filling up my tank at the local gas station, l'd turned the key to my ignition and got nothing but clicks.

What I'd soon realized was that the ground wire from the fender had broken off from the negative battery cable. I was able to jerry-rig it just enough, so that I was able to hobble over to an Autozone that was a few blocks down.

While I was there, I had the battery recharged, followed by cutting off the old terminal to the negative battery cable and replacing it with a new terminal, along with installing a new ground wire attached to the new negative terminal. Soon after I'd reinstalled the battery, I was able get home without incident; however the following morning, I would have a similar problem.

This time, my truck would appear to turn over normally; but after driving a block down the road, the battery indicator light would come back on and the truck would surge until the engine had cut out completely. From there, I have what appears to be a dead battery that won't maintain a charge, even after being jumped buy another vehicle.

My my suspicions is that the ground cable that was sold to me, might be a bit too flimsy, or perhaps I may need to change the entire negative battery cable all together.... suggestions?
98 Tacoma SR5, 2.4L engine.

 

There are 3 ground cables on 1st gen Tacomas. The main ground cable goes from the negative battery cable to the drivers side of the engine block just in front of the motor mount... big cable, you cant miss it. the second is the one you found from the D/S inner fender to the negative post and the third is from the firewall, P/S to the back of the head on both the 3.4 and the 4 cyls.

I am going to scare you first... if you continue to drive the truck you will have problems. The amount of current that is used during starting has to go from the battery through the starter and back to the battery... if it doesnt go through the cables it will find a way to ground usually via somewhere where you dont want it to be... accelerator cable, transmission TV cable and might melt them.

The main ground cable, the one at the block is probably not good any more... while it might show good continuity it will not pass the amperage to run the starter.

 

Would I be able to utilize an aftermarket main ground cable that attaches to the engine block, or do I have to buy an OEM one from Toyota?

My other question is where I could find some guidance on how to replace it. I can't seem to find anything on YouTube, or the internet that would provide any comprehensive instructions.

 

Ideally, a photo or a video would be great. An electrical diagram unfortunately, just doesn't work for me.

 

It’s not only the cable. It’s where and how the cable is attached.

 

Would you be able to elaborate more on that please?

 

It takes a lot for a cable to go bad. Clean up the corrosion at the battery terminals and at the point on the body where the cable is attached. Also I use anti-seize on a lot of my electric connectors. The grey anti-seize contains graphite and aluminum. The copper anti-seize contains copper.

 

It sounds like your alternator isn't working. Check the voltage at the battery with the engine running.

 

The starter is attached to the engine block, the engine block and transmission are supported by rubber mounts, rubber is a great electrical insulator. The best ground attachement point is the engine block with a direct cable to the battery negative post. The other smaller gauge wires are for the electrical consumers on the chassis, radio, instruments etc.

To expand on what rnish is saying... the electrons run on the outside of the wire, not the inside like a water pipe, thats why there is insulation on wiring. If there is excessive corrosion the current has difficulty flowing and heat is a result.

 

A 98 quite possible the battery cables are getting tired .

If Auto Zone put on one of those Emergency clamps they are almost good enough to take you home

New battery cables can not hurt.

Pictures of what you have would be great .

I only use Military style battery Terminals.

 

Does the new cable have to be OEM from Toyota, or can I buy an after-market cable from any auto parts store?

 

The "gauge" of the wire is important. You can go aftermarket.

 

Excellent, that alone should save me a few bucks. What would be the proper gauge thickness for the cable?

 

AutoZone sold me and 8 x 1/2 inch braided tin ground cable for the fender. Would you suggest that I go what's something that's 4 gauge and made of copper?

 

I make all my own short pieces of welding cable 1/0 and 2/0 welding cable

 

That should work as the ground to the block is the critical one for cranking .

Just keep an eye on if it starts to rust

 

What's the length of cable that I need to buy?

 

How long are the cables?

 

You're gonna have to get in there and remove the cable. Then you have everything you need to know to get a new one