Battery new (Dec 2020). Was used in 2006 STS until May, no problems. Installed battery in the Eldo in May (car was in storage 19 months prior). Drove it a few hundred miles since no problem; longest run about 45 miles.

Took it out today, 20 miles, 10 minute stop, no problems, another 25 miles at speed, parked. Car would not turn over 5 minutes later. Visually checked an tugged on battery cables, seemed totally snug. Still no cranking; no click(s) either. Radio and lights good. Classic signs of bad battery contacts or weak battery, yes?

Called AAA, ate a sandwich, 15 minutes max. Got the text from AAA they were on the way, ETA 5 minutes. Walked back to the car, it cranked immediately and started. Drove it home, parked, waited 5 minutes, it started fine. Both starts, especially the one at the sandwich shop (DiBellas Latham NY, excellent food service and value), are telling me that the battery is fine as are the connections. The car didn't move at the sandwich shop so nothing to jiggle loose connections back into place.

I know how to troubleshoot this, but just want to save some time if possible. Anyone had this problem before and what did you do to correct it? I am hoping, probably in vain, that this is a pattern failure. 108,000 miles on the car, starter original.

Thanks guys.

Art

 

I'd suggest checking all the ground connections. Just brought a 91 back to life after sitting for six years. Took all ground connections off and scrubbed with wire brush. Starts like it never sat. I don't know about the 78 but the one I fixed has alot of grounds all connected to 2 bolts.

 

Not a bad idea - the darn thing, true to form, has not failed to start since. I think we are finally going to have dry days this coming week, and not too hot, so I will do that just as a precaution - it makes sense for an intermittent problem.

thanks

Art

 

The curse of the intermittent electrical problem. Test light to purple wire at starter. If it lights with key in start position then you have a solenoid/starter problem. It has been many years since I worked in a Cadillac dealership on these cars; does it have a starter heat shield? Sometimes they are missing.

 

Intermittent inside negative battery connector