I'm replacing my battery cables, the positive side is done, the negative is almost done except for the very end part where it would normally connect to the starter "mount" bolt or engine. Since I couldn't see exactly where I pulled the original negative cable from, I didn't know where to re-mount it and decided to see if the car would start.

The negative cable is connected to the frame near the shock tower, which is about the mid-point of the cable, but the end of the cable is just dangling down near the starter. I plan to connect it as soon as I find somewhere suitable but without this connection, would it prevent "spark" or turning-over, whatever that's called?

I'm reading through the archive comparing "starter" threads to "won't start after ..." threads to see if my issue is electrical or seized seals type stuff since I don't get any sounds when I turn the key. Wouldn't I hear something like the fuel pump when turning the key? (testing the battery tonight, but it's new)

Basically, I'm taking this one step at a time. I've put things mostly back together to where it should start. I was expecting to turn the key and hear the starter, maybe more, but I'd like to start with hearing the starter at least try to do something.

 

um make sure you got a cable running from the hot of the battery to the fuseable link box otherwise you would have nothing

 

I do. The positive battery cable I bought had a tail for that connection so that was an easy one. Also, I have assumed the fuseable link is still good since it wasn't a problem before. I don't suspect that sitting killed it but I guess I need to check that.