Which was my other guess. It helps to have more than one. ;-)
My nephew was really good at 'splainin' it to me. He said not only were the terminals dirty, but that when my neighbor (who knows less than I do about vehicles) played with the cables, he didn't tighten the nut on the negative post. So I'll drive that 60 mile round trip if it means I get the job done right!
But your "guess" was the same as his, without seeing the vehicle. So thanks!!! *kissy things*