mwarnerx

Just had a new battery installed in 1996 es 300. (not sure if this condition was happening before or not). Sometimes, when I try to start the car - the car starts but a spark emits from the negative terminal on the battery. Some times it's normal when starting (no spark). Sometimes the car does not turnover (acts like dead battery). Prior to the new battery installation -- there was no problem starting the car and I doubt sparks emitted upon start. Battery was replaced due to my the "battery" light on the dash coming on last week.
New battery measure at 12V and at 13.8 when alternator is turning.

Any ideas on the spark from the negative terminal?

amf1932

Make sure you remove all the oxidation from the cable ends.

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

Theres a "battery" light on the dash? I never knew that...would've helped those 2 times...grr....

swifty562

make sure it tighty firm on each end.

esucaris1

A very dangerous condition as fumes from the battery are very explosive it could blow the hood right off your car... check your terminals and make sure they are clean and tight

92ES5sp

That "battery" light means there is a charging problem and 13.8 is a little on the low side anyway. It dosent mean your battery is bad. Check your alternator and the connections. It probably has an open diode. Make sure there is no corrosion on the battery cables and if there is a lot you might need new cables or cable ends. 12 volts on a new battery suggests that the alternator is not really charging and is actually discharging the battery. Should be 12.6 Volts no less

mwarnerx

Thanks all - situation solved. Sometimes the simple things get overlooked in complex over-diagnosis. Turns out my friendly sears die hard man did not tighten the wing nut all the way on the negative terminal. Battery is at 12.6V and 14.56 V with alternator running.