[00Molavi]

This is for our 2000 SWB 3.3 with around 153K miles. Has newer alternator/starter since 110K miles midlife crisis package.
Yesterday I noted some corrosion around the battery's negative lead and the car's start was not as strong. Closer look and there was a tiny leak from the bottom of the battery. It was a costco battery, just out of the 36 month full warranty by a few days, so I go there and get a 60% refund and buy a new one. Here is where the problem started;

I put the new battery in (no mistakes with the leads), turn the ignition to on, hear the fuel pump priming, start and the starter is engaging/kicking in with full power but the car does not start. Then when I release the starter (ignition back to on), I hear a constant ticking from the fuse box next to the battery. This happened a few times and I kept checking my work with the leads and the wires and all seemed fine. The car finally started and the ticking went away. When it was not starting, I was almost sure I had no spark.

Also, now the front driver side radio on the quirky infinity sound system started buzzying on & off. It goes away when I turn it off & on. Usually comes back with the turn signal use. Not sure if this is all related (BCM?, etc).

Sorry for the lengthy post. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[00Molavi]

Thanks ImperialCrown; I think it was my mistake taking this job lightly and doing it in the dark and in the costco's parking light. I thought just wiping the leads should take care of it, afterall it was working just fine with the old battery.
I gave it more thought last night and today just cleaned both terminals well with hot water & sanding. I think the negative lead was the bad one. So far the problem seems to have resolved.
Changing a battery is such a simple job, yet stuff comes up.
For now the wife drives the newer car so I can be sure that she is not stranded.