Car wont Start. Battery has some charge, lights bright, etc. Turns over once, then goes dead.?

Question

I thought maybe the battery terminals or cables, but if i put another battery in the car, it will start right up. Since the battery seems to have a bit of a charge with, what is the problem? Is it maybe a cell went bad, and there is not enough power to crank the engine, but enough for radio, horn, lights, etc? It is one of the old style batteries (not a non maint battery). Here in the Dominican Republic most cars have them. It is a 2005 model year car.

Just to clarify. The other batteries I am putting in are other peoples batteries I am using to get the car started. Most people here do not seem to have battery jumper cables. So, I just hook my terminals to their battery, and it starts right up. The reason I am asking this is because a guy at my wifes work is telling her it is only the terminals. Just want to make sure I am not missing anything.

ok, so surprise surprise.. she had her friends from work take the car (did not believe me, because they know what they are doing) and they put new terminals on.. got jumper cables, etc.. hmm imagine that.. needed a new battery.. spent 2x what we needed, plus gas for them to bring it to their house to work on it.. thanks to everyone who answered.

Answer 1

It is definately the battery if when you put a new one in it starts. I'm not quite sure why you would need to ask still, but then again here I am answering. Starting a car takes a lot more power than any other accessory.

Answer 2

If you start the Car with another Battery and the disconnect the Positive terminal, Does the car still run? (Yes) Then the Alternator is still good. Then if you reinstall your Battery what Happens? Engine Dies? Bobbles in one or two Cell of the Battery? (Yes)=Dead Cell!

If the car Starts with a Different Battery the Terminals are Good.

I Live in the Philippines and most of those Old Style Batteries only last 12 to 24 Months. They must have "Battery Recondition Shops" there as we do here? Get a New or Good Reconditioned Battery!

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

the battery is the problem just had the same thing with my car it is probaly a cell in the battery that has gone bad.

the hardest job for the battery is starting the car so it needs all the power it can get. the radio and lights take no where near as much as the starter does.

just change out the battery and make sure ur alternator is putting out a charge and u should be fine

Answer 5

Replace the battery because the one you have isn't any good anymore. Batteries don't last forever.

It is possible that the car isn't recharging the battery because of a bad alternater/generator, but it doesn't sound like it from what you said.

Oh, and hey, don't toss the old battery any old place. It's a hazardous waste. Recycle it through a scrap dealer.

Answer 6

Battery is dead. The life of a car battery, everything else being equal, depends on the average temperature. In a warm to hot climate 2 years is about all you can expect. In cold climates they last longer.

Answer 7

If it does start but then dies it could be that it is not charging fully thus your alternator could be bad. If you have tried more than one battery and it still does it then it is likely the alternator. If not it could be just a battery problem.

Answer 8

that could be the problem but the starters main concern is the amp draw not voltage, thats y ur lights and radio work so u problably need a new battery

Answer 9

Heya, I had the most success with Tims battery plan (i found it on google). In my experience it was the most helpful method that I have tried so far. Might be worth a shot.

Answer 10

Hiya, I had the most success with Tims battery plan (i found it on google). In my experience it was the most helpful method that I have tried so far. Maybe worth a shot.