1999 SL1

Gauges flutter and drop to zero while driving and then come back on. car runs fine so I didn't chase it down.

Now recently my car won't start randomly (some days fine some days I jump it) Some days it does nothing when I turn the key, the next it clicks a few times then goes, the third it starts fine.

Recently found the + terminal connection is a little stripped but connection seems to be OK. Anything else I should check?

One weird note: I had a tire smash into my car and brake my rear tail light. The timing of my main problem started about when that was repaired and my tail light keeps burning out. I figured maybe I had short but I traced the wires all the way back and they look fine. Plus it doesn't appear like the battery is getting drained because it starts sometimes.

Odd set of circustances possibley all unrelated but I am lost when it comes to the electrical side

 

1) Replace the positive battery cable. Battery acid has gotten under the insulation, and has caused the wire to go bad. If you cannot get the battery bolt to tighten up (side post battery) ... replace the battery - I suspect it is leaking around the positive connector.

2) Recheck your wiring repair at the rear tail light. It's a separate issue, but it sounds like a poor connection.

 

Turns out the male thread on the + battery cable was stripped so it would be tight and then vibration would loosen it a little (and vice versa). I replaced the screw and the problem is gone. i love it when the fix is <$2.

Thanks for your help