Went to start my van today (1996 Mercury Villager) to go to work- and it wouldn't start. It had some 'juice' in it- but wouldn't completely 'turn over'? How do I know if the battery is just dead (or almost dead-ie not enough 'juice' to start the car) or if it's just because it's been sitting outside all night long and it's -20 outside??? Thanks in advance for the help.
2007-02-04 23:36:51 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
thanks- I will just put it on the charger for awhile today. I am 40 weeks pregnant (ie i am due Tuesday/tomorrow) and everyone is gone to work- so getting it in somewhere to have it looked at first isn't really going to happen. I bought the car last summer- and if I even have the doors open to vacuum out the car in the summer- the battery will go dead. So I do know I need a new battery. Guess I will go get that done today =)
2007-02-04 23:46:49 · update #1
Its probably a combination of the two. The fact that its friggin freezing doesnt help matters much when your battery is close to dead. You will more than likely need a new one anyway, it just sucks to have to do it today(Im in pittsburgh, and its pretty damn cold here as well)
To the guy above me: How do you expect her to get the battery to the store. She just said it was -20 degrees there. And the van wont start. sheesh!
2007-02-04 23:41:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Batteries weaken in the cold but all the same there should be enough power to start your van up.
Do the lights work or are they really dim? If they're dim you're battery has gone or is going flat.
Did you leave the interior light on or any other lights? This could have drained the battery.
If the battery is dead all you'll get when you turn the key is a clicking sound.
Try booster cables or taking the battery out and charging it up. Failing that get a mechanic to sort it out.
2007-02-04 23:42:27 · answer #2 · answered by Trevor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOok up the jumper cables and try and see if the additional boost will turn it over. When it starts, let it run and build the battery back up; a drive to the local auto parts retailer who offers to check batteries free would be the next stop; you can replace it if need be there, and if there is something else going on, you'll have a leg up.
2007-02-04 23:43:55 · answer #3 · answered by wizjp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably time to replace your battery. Even if you have it charged you will have the same problem the next cold morning you try to start your car.
2007-02-04 23:49:38 · answer #4 · answered by Charles B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The extreme cold will finish off a weak battery..... you could try a jump start, but it sounds like you will need a new battery.
2007-02-04 23:47:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it in to any garage and they will be able to run a battery check and advise you. most places will do it for no cost to you. if it is over 3 years old i would recommend replacing it.
2007-02-04 23:42:33 · answer #6 · answered by eugene j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where the hell are you? You need a good strong battery for that kind of weather. They make battey heaters for cars too.
2007-02-04 23:44:16 · answer #7 · answered by Bill 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you was outside all night I don't think you would start either.didn't you watch/hear the weather report? i bet you didn't bother to cover up the engine or battery.
2007-02-04 23:48:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
take to any auto parts store they will test it for free for you and most will charge it up if thats all it needs
2007-02-04 23:40:50 · answer #9 · answered by furmanator1957 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋