ELEC. UPDATE

[Quick Pony]

Well, I took the battery out of my 1991 LX 5.0 Convertible. Took it to Autozone (battery only 3 months old), and they said it was weak even though I trickle charged it for 14 hours. I got a new battery. I also replaced the positive cable that goes to the starter relay. All connections clean and tight. Car started up like before, hesitating before it starts. Airbag light continues to flash. Flashes 10 times, stops, flashes 10 times, stop, etc.
Factory guage still showing discharge while driving.

Is there only one cable that goes from the starter relay to the positive post?
I noticed a smaller wire next to the thick wire, but its not connected to anything.

The ground wires seem to be in good shape and are tight.

I guess I will replace the negative cable that goes to the starter tomorrow and see if that helps.

Thanks

Larry

 

[jerry beach]

Take off the alt and go get it tested. If you have an ohm meter, you can test these cables before replacing, unless there is obvious damage to there or open spots in the insulation. Put your batt. on charge or it will kill this one too. Do you have a cheap volt/ ohm meter. If so check DC volts at the battery terminal with the engine on, then off.

The ground you speak of that goes to the starter is really the hot wire that turns it when you start the car. Its grounded to the engine by the housing.
EDIT
Elaborate on the "hesitates before starts". I picture you hitting the key and nothing happens, then a second later it starts turning the engine over. Is that correct? If so tell us or correct me on exactly what is going on there. Sounds like you have another issue to me.

 

[HISSIN50]

im with Jerry. might also toss a jumper ground wire on - the hesistation sounds like it could be an insufficient ground. this is only for the starting issue - the charging is separate and Jerry covered that the same way i would.

good luck.

 

[tmoss]

Is there only one cable that goes from the starter relay to the positive post? I noticed a smaller wire next to the thick wire, but its not connected to anything...

There should be 4 wires going to the batt post on the starter soleniod including the batt +. If the wire that is not connected is green - that is your problem as it is what the alternator uses to sense alterntor output voltage.