2006-06-14 13:24:10 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Chrysler
Depends. Try turning on the headlights without it started. If they shine bright, then its the starter I would say, if there's no noise whatsoever but a little clicking noise when you turn the key, possibly the battery. Get a boost, and while the car is running, disconnect the negative wire on the battery. If the car shuts off, then the alternator is shot, so the battery could be dead from just running. Try starting normal, if it doesn't start or try to start, leave the key in RUN or ON, and short out the starter with a long PLASTIC HANDLED screwdriver. If the starter fires great now, it's the starter solenoid and can be rebuilt.
2006-06-14 13:29:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be either. Without more information.
Don't just assume the radio/lights turning on that it's the battery. Starting a car need a lot more amperage than a radio or head lights.
Your best bet is to actually try jumping starting the vehicle. If while trying to jump start the vehicle, the vehicle does not turn over at all, then the starter motor is highly suspect.
If the car does turn over when jumping the battery, then you battery is more likely the suspect.
However there are other reasons for a car not to start.
Bad Neutral safety switch.
Bad Ignition lock cylinder
To name two others.
2006-06-14 13:47:58 · answer #2 · answered by hsueh001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well as others have stated, we need more info on your problem. Does the engine crank, but not start? Has the battery been load tested? Is there a voltage drop between the battery terminals and cables, or anywhere else in the system? Is there power to the starter solenoid when the key is in the cranking position? I could go on, and I'm not trying to be a smart-a$$, but there are a lot of possibilities here, and we need more info! HTH!!
2006-06-15 02:56:36 · answer #3 · answered by lugnutz59 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you checked under your cables for corrosion( a white powderly stuff between the cable and the battery) if so ,take a wire brush and brush it off and then use some kind of grease to smear on the cable and battery to prevent furtheer build- up of corrosion.I have seen this condition let radios work but not allow to start P.S. You have to take off the cables to see this
2006-06-19 14:58:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing happened to my jeep, I just jump start it. And every time the car runs, it recharge the battery. so don't let your car sit too long. But my cars battery is from 1989, so I would get a new battery.
2006-06-14 13:37:41 · answer #5 · answered by devinz2002 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If all electric, lights - radio - wipers, etc work and the engine will not turn over then it could be the starter or sylonoid.
If nothing electrical works or you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, then it could be the battery.
If electric works and car turns over but just won't start, then you have other problems - fuel, ignition spark, computer, etc.
2006-06-14 13:31:53 · answer #6 · answered by Newt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not always, you could have a coil that is out, or your wires, or spark plugs need to be checked. Also , somestimes the alternator could be bad- there are many reasons your car won't start? take the battery out of the car and take it to sears or auto Zone or advance auto, they have a battery tester , try this first.
2006-06-15 14:05:58 · answer #7 · answered by vicki n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
another possibility if all the interior accessories work, try cranking and see if they all shut off. If that's the case, usually there is a dirty battery terminal. Clean them up and see if that helps.
2006-06-15 08:55:12 · answer #8 · answered by sethle99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the lights come on and the radio works, then its not the battery.
if nothing electrical works, try jump-starting the car.
2006-06-14 13:29:21 · answer #9 · answered by Mac Momma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just went through this. It was the battery.
2006-06-17 04:08:19 · answer #10 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋