Possible electronic issues with engine

[Ryathe]

Update: Added pictures and updated information in post below. Just looking for a bid of advice now, the problem was located and tested. The information in this post was just my inexperience with cars leading me on a wild goose chase.



Awhile ago I had an issue with my Focus that it wouldn't turn over at all. Leading me to worry that there was an issue with the starter or alternator. There was no response from the engine when turning the key and my windshield wipers would move whenever the key was in, regardless of being turned on or off.

The other day I was able to acquire a little diagnostic machine and a friend of mine plugged it in under my fuse box inside and we tried to test to see if there were any issues. The moment we plugged the device in, the car began to turn on again. It still had the unstoppable windshield wipers, but it worked regardless. My whole panel worked fine.

But once I pressed on my brake pedal the car died instantly. Turns back on fine but dies once the pedal is pressed everytime. I can't even shift the car out of park when I press on the brake pedal.. the shifter won't move at all, like it doesn't even register the brake as pressed.

There also seems to be a light buzzing noise coming from near my inside fusebox and it goes away when I slightly touch the break (like a quarter inch).. but once pressed any further the car dies. Has anyone ever heard of an issue like this?


Also, I did find a stray wire that looked like it corroded off of the main negative (right side when looking at battery, correct me if I'm wrong) battery cable. Unsure if this is contributing to the issue.

I'm please my car can start, it takes the worry of a starter/alternator off of my chest for the time being but I dunno even how to begin to explain this to a mechanic.

[Ryathe]

I've since been able to get myself a Haynes guide to a Ford Focus 01-05 and read through many pages of it, trying to find out if my brakes were really an issue. After an early morning session of finally getting some quality time on the car I came to realize that the small cable that corroded off of the main terminal was the root of the problem.

When I would apply the broken cable back on the terminal (just tucked it in) the car would start, shift, move, and operate perfectly. When the cable would be removed, the car would die instantly.

My questions now are: What is the name of this cable? Would I need a whole new installation on my battery terminal or is there a way to reapply this cable back to the terminal.

Pictures: (cable in question is highlighted in blue)


http://img197.imageshack.us/i/car1y.jpg/

http://img188.imageshack.us/i/car2b.jpg/

http://img196.imageshack.us/i/car3z.jpg/

I thank anyone in advance for their help with this situation. I know my lack of experience with cars had me barking up many a wrong tree and I finally accepted personal responsibility and found the cause myself. I'm young and learning.