A few years ago My positive battery cable on my Dodge Neon 2005 (Automatic) burned through. I was qouted more than a hundred dollars for the replacement cable which I thought was way too much at the time, so I spliced it together with a connector. Everything worked fine for about four years. Lately I noticed it was acting up, and that I could turn on all the lights and use the windows, etc... but couldn't start the car unless I jiggle the connector a little. Then it fired right up and worked great. I didn't notice any failure in the insulation I applied to the junction, so I don't suspect arcing. I was driving yesterday and hit a bump, and the car died. I figured it was this junction again, jiggled it, but this time got no response. I took the connection appart cleaned the wire and reassembled it and still got no response. Everything is working fine, just no power goes to the starter at all. It makes no noise when I try. Any suggestions?

 

The question is why did the ground burn up in the first place? Sounds like you have a poor ground connection somewhere besides the battery and it caused the wiring to heat up. Secure, clean, and check all your grounds first. Then when the car doesn't crank get out a multimeter and have someone sit in the car while you check power up front at the starter. Check the signal wire from the ignition to make sure its sending a 12v+ to kick it on.

 

I agree with I Ride, it sounds like you also have a ground cable issue. Plus, what type of new terminal did you put on? Was it the kind with the plate and clamp? Those are garbage. See this post for the correct way to fix a battery cable. You can find these terminals at any NAPA store

http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice...tery-terminals