I have a 96 Chev. Lumina. Today it didnt want to start, but after a few minutes of trying, it eventually did. There is power to the lights/radio, so the battery is ok. I dont think its the alternator because I had that replaced about a year ago. From what I can gather, it might be the starter? How should I go about fixing this? Can I do it myself or should I just take it in? Thanks, I know so little about all this. :)
2006-09-25 13:22:07 · 8 answers · asked by Andie41 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Go to auto zone or any major parts store , they will check it for free and let you know whats wrong . then see how much they want for a rebuilt one , you can do it if you have any mechanical skill , remimber to disconect the battery first so you dont short out the system.
2006-09-25 13:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by MarkFoley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you start changing parts that may not be faulty, have it checked out.
There could be several possibilities:
Corroded battery terminals.
Low battery voltage.
Faulty neutral safety switch.
Faulty starter.
Faulty fuel system.
You need to be a little more specific. When you turn the key it??
A) engine doesn't turn
B) engine turns, but realy slow
C) engine turns fine but won't start.
D) Nothing happens.
E) I only hear a click.
F) some times the starter turns, but the engine doesn't.
G) I hear a grinding noise.
ADDED:
By the way. {TIM P} answered above to disconnect you positive battery terminal first.
Well, he's an idiot!!
NEVER disconnect the positive battery terminal first. Unless of course you like being electrocuted.
2006-09-25 13:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could still be the battery. The battery may have enough charge to run the lights but not turn over the starter. Have the battery checked before pulling the starter out
2006-09-25 13:25:46 · answer #3 · answered by Todd F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a safety note...you always disconnect the ground first on a battery because if you touch the wrench against the body of the car it is no big deal. If however your on the positive terminal of the battery it makes cool sparks and doesn't do much for the life of the battery...
2006-09-25 13:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by Air C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove your battery cables and clean those with a tooth brush and some baking soda (or buy a brass toothbrush to do the scrubbing with and clean the terminal connections> Then apply thin coat of either non corrosive grease or Vaseline and reinstall the cables and see if that works
2006-09-25 13:36:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it clicks when you try to start it then will be the starter, there not hard to do but need some mechanical ability to do it and make sure you disconnect the positive terminal first on the battery always when doing something with the electrical system,
2006-09-25 13:27:22 · answer #6 · answered by Tim P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did your lights look deem if so your battery could be bad or low. if it is your starter you can do it your self but if you do not know much about it you should take it in because a Chevy. starter has to be shimmed out
2006-09-25 13:40:50 · answer #7 · answered by jason d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just take it to a mechanic and fix it. Its the easiest thing to do.
2006-09-25 13:30:16 · answer #8 · answered by Dan P 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋