So I popped open the hood of my '06 Vibe to do a quick check of the fluids and hoses (something I do about every 3-4 weeks) and noticed some blue powdery substance around my battery terminals. Figured it was corrosion which was surprising as the battery is about a year and a half old and the last time I checked it the terminals were clean. I used a paste of baking soda and water to clean the terminals and used some of the red terminal spray along with a new pair of felt washers. I removed the positive then negative terminals than reversed that for installation. Went to start the car, everything lights up like normal but when I go to turn the key, nothing! So after a moment of panic I take off the clamps and put them back on, the car starts with no issue but there is significant vibration throughout the car. Now I've replaced my battery and cleaned the MAF in the past so I know a car can be a bit off as it "relearns" so I took a drive around the neighborhood. A few minutes into my drive the car dies with no warning while at a stop sign. I shift the car in park, put my flashers on and hope for the best as I turn the ignition. My Vibe starts with no problem and I continue my drive for another two or so miles. I get back home and sit with the Vibe in park and listen, it seems like the vibration has subsided and after multiple cycles of off and on I call it a day.
For those of you still with me I have two questions: first what happened initially as the Vibe didn't turn and second why did the engine die shortly after I started my drive? Any thoughts would be appreciated!