I parked my car at the store about 2 weeks ago..... Came out and the car did not start. No clicks, nothing. Tried to jump it off and nothing happened. I went back the next day to try jumping it again... nothing.... but this time I left the jumper cables on for about 20 minutes. The car started up. No problems until 2 days ago. Stopped to get gas. Paid. Came back out and my car wouldnt start again. So I tried jumping it off for 20 minutes again and got nothing. I have a battery charger/tester and it says the battery is full and its good. Alternator was just replaced 2 months ago, so Im ruling that out as well. Cables are good. I checked ground wires already. It seems like something is draining the power. Because not only does it not start, but none of the lights or anything electrical is working. But occasionally it will get enough pwer to turn on the clock or a dome light when I open the door. So then I try to start it but nothing happens and everything shuts off again.
2006-10-27 13:03:46 · 6 answers · asked by Poindexter 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have no aftermarket products installed in the car.... So dont suggest that. Im thinking I want to change the starter motor relay in the fuse box first. And maybe the solenoid if that doesnt work. I have no idea. Im stumped and frustrated. I also dont have the money to try random parts as Im already pretty much in debt, so if Im going to try something I want to get it done right the first time. Any Idea what could be drawing the power?
2006-10-27 13:04:09 · update #1
OK... The last time I posted this... Alot of the answers said my battery was probably ruined.... So being the easiest fix, I bought a new one. It started right up. And the car has worked fine.........for ONE DAY! It died on me again in the parking lot today. It really seems like something is sucking the power right out of it..... Again..... Im stumped.... and I dont have the money to take it to the shop to let them figure it out.... Any suggestions.... SERIOUS suggestions!
2006-10-27 13:08:37 · update #2
Oh and Ive already changed the starter relay in the fuse box.... and none of the fuses are blown anywhere as well
2006-10-27 13:11:25 · update #3
I've had issues with the battery terminals on these cars. The terminals will corrode and basically crack but not enough to notice but enough it will give you the occasional no start.
Check one, have autozone check the battery and alternator for free.. need to rule it out..making sure the alternator is actually charging the battery (my guess is by jumping it off, the battery and alternator is good)
Also, you will not have something that will drain the battery that quick as it will cause a no start with no power just getting gas... If the draw is that much, the car would be on fire as it takes a lot to drain a battery (most battery drains take a day to happen.. not 10 minutes)
You have a connection problem somewheres (you fixed it when you changed the battery as you had it make contact again for a bit, but vibration did it in after a day.. that's another hint that it's a connection problem)... Usual suspects for me has been the battery terminals..Being loose, being cracked etc.... As I have seen ignition switches and cables going to the fuse box do the samething.. but you are either loosing power or ground... and I think you personally need to go over all your connections good, as resistance checks and volatage checks sometimes won't find a bad connection
2006-10-27 14:25:45 · answer #1 · answered by gearbox 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is the battery? It may have a dead cell and shows false readings. It could be the brushes in the alternator are not turning properly, It may be rebuilt but not charging properly. If it's not the battery or alternator then check to make sure the parking, dome light switch is off. If that isn't it then you have a wiring harness problem, possibly a wire that is loose and grounding some where draining the battery. You need to take it to someone that can trace the problem, if it is a wiring problem. Good Luck and I hope it's something simple and cheap.
2006-10-27 13:15:49 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to an auto parts store and get a battery terminal brush cleaner....If it's a top post battery. If not get a wire brush and clean the hell out of your connections. Make sure they get put back on tight.
Check where the Black negative cable goes and make sure it is tight and not corroded either.
And last check and clean the starter wires and posts.
Unless your battery need to be replaced this should do the trick.
Otherwise you have a bad ignition switch.
2006-10-27 13:16:44 · answer #3 · answered by whtsthislif4 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some of the parts stores will run a free diagnostic check for you , it may be your alternator or regulator are the problem, or you could have a short. You need to find out the voltage when its running, should be around 14 volts for a good charging system :)
2006-10-27 13:12:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes you will get a bad battery from the shop. the terminals sometimes corrode internally and the battery will short out or open. so, you could try replacing the battery again. should be under warranty.
2006-10-27 13:13:17 · answer #5 · answered by Shane M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried buying a new alternator?
2006-10-27 13:13:29 · answer #6 · answered by kirkan1@verizon.net 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋