it is a 97' Cavalier and was running fine earlier today. Tonight it wouldn't even turn over, lights don't work, BUT the dash lights and radio came on. Possibly the alternator?
2007-04-23 17:34:10 · 7 answers · asked by 1sleepymama 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
try jump starting it if you are able to. i would use a volt meter (or digital multi meter set to volts DC) and measure the voltage of the battery. it should read somewhere around 12.95v. if the battery is old or damaged or corroded that could be your problem and would explain why only the dash lights and radio work. listen for a click sound when you try to start the car or a buzzing noise. if you hear either sound it is most likely the battery. contact me if you have further questions @ hunter1stshot@yahoo.com
2007-04-23 20:23:08 · answer #1 · answered by hunter1stshot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to do is check your fuses, some cars have engine control fuses. Some fuses are under the hood, in addition to the ones under the dash.
then, get battery cables and see if you can boost/jump start the car.
If it starts, leave the car running and take the battery cables loose. If the car dies, your alternator is bad. If it keeps running, you should put cables back on, turn off the car, and
then, One of the battery cables has 2 wires, follow the 2nd wire, it will lead you to the starter. Make sure this ground wire is tight. If it isn't tight, your battery won't charge properly.
2007-04-23 17:53:29 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the connections on your battery cables if they are partly corroded the small load from a radio might still make contact , but when you hit the starter or the main lights the small amount of contact in the circuit can't handle the load .
2007-04-23 17:48:09 · answer #3 · answered by parochial school graduate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Possibly the alternator . Make sure the battery connections are good and that nothing was left on that would run the battery way cown.
2007-04-23 17:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by jimanddottaylor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to jump the battery if it dies out again (later on) go to an auto shop and get the alternator tested.
2007-04-23 17:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by redblade20xx 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need electrical test run on your car. My guess would be voltage regulator or starter is the problem.
You could try jump-starting it.
2007-04-23 17:54:34 · answer #6 · answered by worldoftroubleinc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check your fuses
2007-04-23 17:42:10 · answer #7 · answered by brett v 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋