I need help trouble shooting my honda civic. It will not start.
I was driving it earlier today and I went to drive it again when it would not start. I'm glad I was at home when it decided to quit.
Turning the key goes normally until I try to get it to start.
Upon the regular engine starting key turn area the dash lights dim and there maybe a single 'tch sound or no sound at all coming from the engine block.
Under the hood I noticed that the right battery terminal with the big red rubber cover was heavily corroded. So I attempted to remove the corrosion.
I noticed that there was a wire that goes from the terminal to the pump motor relay
that was not connected.
I attempted to see if having this wire connected to the terminal would change my outcomes but I could not get it screwed onto the terminal as it once was as the screw in the terminal is heavily corroded and I'll need to get a hammer or something to bang it off.
I rested it on what was left of the screw in the terminal to see if a connection could be made and tried to start it again however there was no noticeable difference.
What should be my next trouble shooting step?
Edit
Wow, thanks for the good advice!
I borrowed a battery charger and charged the battery. It took around 15 minutes to charge, upon trying to start it again I did get a few clicks as if the starter was trying to go but the engine did not start.
I ended up push starting the car as I was out of town and I needed to get back into the city. While I was driving the engine seemed to struggle when idling with the A/C on.
I think I'll replace the battery and see if that resolves the issue.