Hi, all...this morning I went out to start my car ('98 Chevy Lumina) and when I turned the key in the ignition, the radio came on and the dash lights lit up, but nothing else. It wouldn't even turn over. I thought at first it was the battery, but if that were the case, the radio and lights wouldn't have come on. I tried it several times and still nothing. About ten minutes later, I decided to try again, so I went out, put the key in the ignition...and the car started right up. What could be the problem? Is my starter going? Or could there be another explanation? Thanks!
2006-08-23 03:42:45 · 11 answers · asked by peachy78 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I own a repair shop,,and i hope i can help you with this,,i think what it done on you was that the solenoid switch didn't kick in,,it may continue to do this,,and then it may not do it again at all, i have seen them go out,,after doing this a few times,,if it does it again,,you can tap on the starter real lightly to jar it,,and it may start right up,,or not,,your best option is to have it checked,,take the car to auto zone,,or advance auto,,and they can check the starter,,and the battery,while there still on the car,,and they can tell you which one it is for sure,,and its a free check,,so this way your not guessing any more,,they do a good job testing them,,i have sent people to them when i am really busy and cant get o them,,good luck with it,,it hope this helps.
2006-08-23 04:16:57 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the starter solenoid may be going bad. It may work fine for many months or it may continue to stick. In this car, you will have to replace the starter to replace the solenoid, as the solenoid is integrated with the starter.
2006-08-23 10:45:28 · answer #2 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kind of off the point, but regarding the comment about the battery charging itself- that's wrong.
Batteries may have some minimal recovery, but charging themselves no.
Most likely starter/solenoid problem.
2006-08-23 13:56:26 · answer #3 · answered by scooba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the way a battery is designed, given a little time, it can actually charge it's self. I would have the battery checked. I would not run out and change your starter. It could also be a loose wire.
2006-08-23 10:55:18 · answer #4 · answered by potomacimproves 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not nessissaraly,the battery will have enough power to light the dash and turn the radio on.It's probably the battery.To start it though it draws alot of amps in order to turn the engine.Get a jump,if you let it run for awhile and then turn it of and it wont star back up,ckeck your battery for dead cells.If you replace it and it kills the new one you have a short somewhere,probably your alternator.
2006-08-23 10:51:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be the starter, but one other thing to check before spennding the money on a starter and labor to have it put on is make sure that all you battery cables are TIGHT (they shouldn't wiggle) and check the wires on your starter for the same thing.
2006-08-23 10:47:24 · answer #6 · answered by Zenas Walter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be a relay (selonoid) that goes to the starter,, also could be the saftey switch on the shifter column, Possibly a loose wire, but I dont feel the starter was bad,, when a starter goes out they generally will roll over real slow, or clicking noise,,
good luck
2006-08-23 10:47:32 · answer #7 · answered by SPACEGUY 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats the starter going. If you get stranded, hitting the starter (if you know what it is) can sometimes get you going.
2006-08-23 10:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by Tuan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES I COULD BE THE STARTER , BUT THEY WILL CHECK YOU BATTERY FO R FREE AT MOST AUTOMOTIVE STORES
2006-08-23 11:03:37 · answer #9 · answered by SUBYDUDE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
starter
2006-08-23 10:44:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋