I have a mercury cougar that doensn't want to start. When starting all i hear is a clicking sound. When i jump it it starts up very quickly and works perfectly. about a hour later its not starting anymore. The lights in the car are still working including the radio. Any ideas? thanks
2007-07-31 11:18:44 · 8 answers · asked by rbnhd99 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First clean the connections on the battery, then try again if it does not work then the battery is definitely dead you can get that checked at the auto parts store for free. Because it starts when jumping the solenoid is good, question remains is if it the battery or the alternator, most likely the battery. Cleaning the terminals is the first step because if you have a bad connection the bat may be good but is not able to charge, or use the charge to start.
2007-07-31 11:29:41 · answer #1 · answered by Pengy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definately not the starter because it starts when jumped.
You need to get or borrow a voltmeter and put it on the battery when the car is running to check the output of the alternator. It should be 13-16 volts. If it is then you just need a battery. If not you need an alternator.
It is possible you need both but it would be nice to eliminate the alternator by checking its output first.
2007-07-31 11:26:24 · answer #2 · answered by Airmech 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sound usually means a dead battery. If not, check the wiring to and from the starter for a loose connection. It could be battery connection, discharged or faulty battery, faulty alternator or regulator, faulty starter or a loose and corroded connection on the starter. Before you go spending money on an alternator or starter take the battery to be tested. If it's not the battery the noise could be made from the solenoid in the starter. Hope this helped you out.
2007-07-31 11:32:22 · answer #3 · answered by Lil's Mommy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jump it and start it. With it running put a volt meter across the battery terminals. If you are getting around 14 volts the alternator is good. Make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. If they are and the alternator is working, your battery is bad, replace it.
If the voltmeter is showing 12 volts or less, the alternator needs to be replaced.
2007-07-31 11:45:22 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The battery may not be holding a charge. Any auto parts store can check it for free. If you car dies while driving it would be your alternator. Also, it could be a bad connection to the battery from the batter cables. Check to make sure they are tight and clean.
2007-07-31 11:25:08 · answer #5 · answered by Keith 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a bad battery cable most likly the ground you can test this by using jumper cables as a temporary ground from the battery to the engine
2007-07-31 11:27:05 · answer #6 · answered by classa_flirt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it stays running with lights on after you start it it's prob. the battery. dont need much juice to run radio or lights but need a lot to start engine.
2007-07-31 17:29:46 · answer #7 · answered by driverman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
May not be any of those. My personal guess would be the solenoid on the starter.
2007-07-31 11:22:27 · answer #8 · answered by Captain Moe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋