It's a 2004 cavalier.
When I try to start it it makes a really fast clicking noise as if the car isn't even attempting to ignite the engine.
The electronic dash flashes quickly when I try to start it, and the engine won't turn over.
When I stop cranking it makes a sound like the car has just turned on and all my gauges go back to normal.
It is not the battery.
2007-05-22 09:01:33 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The battery is not sending enough current to start the engine.
Check the connecting cables from the battery posts for corrosion - this could cause a "good" battery to be unable to start your vehicle.
2007-05-22 09:09:27 · answer #1 · answered by Halcyon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another test you can do if you don't have a voltmeter, is to turn on the headlights and try starting the engine -- if the headlights go out or dim significantly to a dull orange color, then the battery or connections or cables could be at fault.
Unless of course your engine is seized -- the starter will use a huge amount of current trying to drive an immovable load.
2007-05-22 16:18:31 · answer #2 · answered by HyperDog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't hear the cranking sound when you're trying to start your car, means that starter doesn't work - something could be wrong with the starter, starter wires, relay, or the battery is dead. Also check battery terminals, they could be corroded or loose.
2007-05-22 16:13:03 · answer #3 · answered by Random 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your battery cannot handle starter load, and the electromagnetic relay ("bendix") gets disengaged once the main motor kicks in and drains the battery. Once the load is removed, the battery is capable of pulling the bendix again... and so on.
2007-05-22 16:12:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I second Halcyon's notion. Sounds like a battery problem...so if you're 100% sure it's not the battery itself, then it must be something between the battery and the starter.
2007-05-22 16:10:54 · answer #5 · answered by Ferret 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the starter motor. If you need it to start urgently then locating the starter motor and banging it with a bar can often get it to start you up but obviously will need replacing.
2007-05-22 17:43:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the car in Park or Neutral when you start it? Check the starter and plugs. Does the fuel pump come on?
2007-05-22 16:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
its a cavalier. i had one for a rental once, and it was the worst car i ever drove. its prob the starter, or a cable. i would fix it, and trade it in as quick as possible.
2007-05-22 16:10:17 · answer #8 · answered by kwinder00 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
did you try giving it time to let the buzz thingy go off then start it!?!?!? it sounds like its your alternator my car did the same exact thing!!!! or else your fuel filter!!! but its most likely the alternator
2007-05-22 16:08:14 · answer #9 · answered by girl_3d_2005 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋