Here's my problem - every once in a while, my car just won't start. I put the key in, turn it to the on position (the console lights up for the most part, radio turns on), but when I turn it to the start position, nothing happens except for all the lights going out while I hold it there. Sometimes the lights are dimmer than other times, sometimes they look at full strength. It has started every time at some point, but sometimes it takes 3 turns, and sometimes it takes 15 or so.

I used a multi-meter to check the battery last night and it read 12.75V across the terminals. When I start the car (it started w/ no problems), it reads over 14V across the terminals.

The past 3 times the car hasn't started, I've opened the hood, grabbed the wires connected to the battery, and just kind of shook them (I know, great fix eh?), but each time it starts on the VERY next try.

Any thoughts? By reading through posts I believe the 12.75V when it's not running suggests the battery is ok and the jump to 14V means the alternator is ok (if I've read/remember correctly). The + post had a little bit of corrosion on it, but I don't think it was enough to cause the car from starting.

My car is a 2000 FWD, chipped, new DV, and exhaust.

 

Most likely your battery terminals or ground terminal is NOT on tight enough.

 

At the terminal, they are tight enough that they don't move when I try to twist them (where they actual attach to the post on the battery). Is this the spot you meant or is there more locations I should check?

 

If those are both tight, check to make sure the other end of the neg is tight against the engine block/frame. Just follow the wire from the battery.

 

Well, cleaning off the corrosion seems to have taken care of it, but my question now is what would cause excess corrosion? The battery isn't very old (4 months or so) - is this normal or what would cause it to build up quickly on the terminals?

 

You should put that anti-corrosion stuff on. High current and moisture cause it.