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My mom's 2001 Sienna won't start. When I try to start the car, I get a very rapid clicking noise. The lights are very dim; in fact, the dashboard lights flicker constantly and are almost going out.

I'm a noob to automobiles, so I'm not sure what to look for. I tried looking at the positive battery terminal; it seemed pretty firm/tight. There was some greenish crystaline stuff around the terminal; not sure what that was.

For sure, there's a problem with the power; but is it the battery, or something else? And what's that green stuff on the battery terminal? Should I try jump-starting it?

ashes999
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1 Answers1

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99% of the time, the symptoms that you describe are a dead or dying battery. Charging the battery or jumpstarting the car should work.

The 'green stuff' is caused by the terminal oxidising - it's not good to have it on there but I doubt it'll affect the connection enough to make the battery unusable. Often, carefully pouring hot water over it will dissolve it, but depending on your outside temperatures I'd be careful with that.

The battery should have two terminals so good luck find the other one...

Timo Geusch
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