Gal need help: car didn't start until 3rd try & radio stopped working

[minmn]

94 Corolla: PLEASE help with ideas to check.
Problem 1: the first 2 turns of the key produced dead silence (except for the click of the key). On the 3rd attempt the engine started.

#2: The car radio is NOT turning on- seems dead. ( is there a code that needs resetting? If so, where is it and how do I do it?)
I installed a new battery 3 days ago, plus 1 new terminal end to the positive cable and cleaned the negative terminal end. When I turned the key the car started quickly and strong. I've not used the car since that day and I didn't check the radio that day.

Please can you give me ideas of what might be the problem with it starting so poorly and what I can check or test?
Thx, Miss M.

[duckprefect]

If you are hearing a loud click coming from under the hood, you may try starter contacts. They are much cheaper than a starter.

[lancelantier20]

i had the same problem as well it was just that the negative terminal was not completely connected to the battery all you need to do is replace the bad terminal which you said you did but for the radio if it is factory anti-theft radio you are gonna need a code and usually there are located in the manual but if not your are probably gonna have to look for a new radio unless you take it to a radio shop they might be able to decode it but im not sure

[awildman]

1st step is to make sure the battery cables are on the terminals tight enough. One at a time, give them a good twist by hand to make sure they aren't loose. Sometimes the battery terminals are just too small and the cables can't clamp down completely on them. Once that is done, do a voltage test. Voltage should read around 12 volts or so. Start the car and it should show around 13.8 volts. Also trace the positive cable back as far as you can to make sure any secondary wires/cables have been reinstalled or plugged back in.

After that, check the radio fuse. Once you've checked the fuse, try the anti-theft idea from above.

[badcompany87]

Aw man...I had the same problem. I went out of town to hang out in the bay for the weekend. We parked my Corolla in the garage and when we came back to start it...nothing!!! And we didn't even no anybody where we were at. So we call a tow truck guy and wait 2hrs because we assumed I needed a jump. And then I was like...I know my baby, and I know she's not dead. So I pop the hood and adjust the terminals and tighten them up some and then she started right up. The terminals had just gotten old...cheap and easy fix. As for your stereo...google 93 Corolla factory stereo code or check your manual...if you don't have one...there might be one online or definitely on eBaymotors.com

[kevmac]

cleaning and protecting the battery terminals is as much apart of pm as replacing the air filter.


Another cheap trick: poor distilled water on and around battery terminals routinely (monthly). It neutralizes acid which removes the corrosive properties. Use baking soda along with it for a better cleaning nutralizing agent.