What does it mean when your car suddenly won't start, doesn't turn over, and the gauges/lights flicker?

Question

I was driving my car and stopped it to get my mail. When I tried to start it again, nothing. Then the inside lights started flickering from bright to dark, and the gauges all went haywire. I tried to jump start it but it didn't work.

It's a 2002 jeep grand cherokee.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Battery is dead and past jumping, replace it. Especially if its the original battery, depending on where you live you could be lucky it even lasted this long

I recently bought a 1995 Trans Am. 2 days after I bought it, it was having the same exact problem you are referring to. I was sitting there thinking I got screwed on the sale and that the car was bad, but turns out it was just the battery. Couldn't jump it and Auto Zone couldnt recharge it. But when I bought a new one, the car starting running fine again and has ever since!

Answer 2

It's most likely that you have a bad connection at the battery or the battery is just about dead. Try tightening and cleaning the post on the battery and if that doesn't work and your battery is fully charged then look at the starter or charging system. When cleaning the post, put baking soda and water and scrub the terminals until clean.

I recommend taking it to a shop if the charging system is the problem.

Answer 3

You have a bad connection from your battery cables to the battery terminals. They may look okay and tight but it might be corroded from the inside. Also there might be a break in one of your battery cables.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a loose battery terminal if not you have a bad ignition switch. Or as my mother in law said when the same thing happened to her Acura "ITS POSSESSED!"

Answer 5

Bad alternator, dirty battery connectors, or a bad ground. One of these is most likely the problem.