Total electrical blackout on ranger after start attempt

[Uncle Gump]

I used that style clamp for like... ever. I just changed them when they started to look rough.

This year I switched to Mil Spec clamps. I'll never go back. The down side is you have to crimp lugs on your cables. I ended up buying the crimp tool and copper lugs to complete the install.

 

[SenorNoob]

^This is the way to go, but definitely a serious mod. Took me all afternoon to get the right eyes in town. (I was adding a winch at the same time.)

Those painted terminals are the worst. (Except for Nissan stock terminals.)

There is a similar design without the paint that is much better.

Super Start Battery Terminal; Top Post; Heavy-Duty; Commercial​

 

[rumblecloud]

Isn't that just the way it goes...?
Many times - can't say always -- when something goes wrong, try to remember the last thing you fixed or changed and start there.
Glad you got it sorted.

 

[sgtsandman]

How did you know? I was using those, when I saw them I thought they would be great, do you have a better suggestion?

An educated guess. More often than not, if there isn't a wire integrity problem, it's that style of terminal connector that is at fault. Others have made very good suggestions on alternatives.

I have a quick disconnect terminal on my negative cable that gives me similar issues. The only reason I put up with it is because I deploy for months at a time and the truck just sits until I return. This ensures I don't come home to a dead battery. So, as soon as I retire from the military, a proper battery terminal is going to replace it