I have a 1997 Ford Escort and my car starts sometimes and then sometimes it doesn't. I tried to start it today and it did nothing but make a sound (almost like it wanted to start). It DID NOT make a clicking sound though. However, my headlights and radio still work. I did get my car jumped though and it started right up.
I went to Advanced Auto and got my battery tested and she said it was fine and didn't need replaced. What do you think this could be? Any ideas?
2007-12-01 06:21:35 · 8 answers · asked by brokenmuffinz 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
The biggest problem, this time of year, is corroded battery terminals. If the battery is good and it will start with a jump then the terminals are not making a good connection on the posts. Battery cables and posts build up an oxide over time which causes a high resistance and hard starting. Remove both cables, negative first, from the battery. Use a wire brush or knife blade and brush or scrape the posts and inside of the connectors until they're shiny bright. Replace the positive and then the negative cable and tighten them down. That should take care of the problem. Can't count how many "hard/no start problems" I've cured this way. If the cables are showing signs of corrosion (greenish or whitish powdery buildup) use water and baking soda to clean before brushing or scraping.
2007-12-01 06:54:34 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it was able to be jumped then you are most likely having a battery problem. Either the battery is dead and they were wrong or your alternator is going bad and it does not keep your battery charged. But if that were the case, you would see a battery light on the dash of the car while you were driving. I would go back to an auto parts store and have them check both your alternator and your battery. But try a different parts store. GOOD LUCK!
2007-12-01 14:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by Jake B 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if jumping starts your car...you battery was low. How fast is the engine cranking? Should crank free and fast if battery is good. Turn your headlights on and try cranking having someone watch from the front to see if your lights go dim or just a little flicker. If it starts with jump start it is your battery going low which could be your alternator not charging the battery.Have the battery charged up then see if will start you car several times......if after driving your battery goes down your alternator is not charging...good luck!
2007-12-01 14:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by 2A 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Poor contact or corrosion in the main power and ground wires or a bad starter. Check for green stuff or rust at the battery and starter, as well as the engine grounds.
2007-12-01 14:50:32 · answer #4 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your points, could be them. Try spraying all electrical connections (wires, leads etc) with WD40 in case they are tracking. Plugs may need to be changed. Failing that it could be your timing. Get a service on the car and it should be OK.
2007-12-01 14:30:19 · answer #5 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
did you have them check the alternator ? when you get it stared take it to Advanced Auto and have them check it
2007-12-02 14:42:13 · answer #6 · answered by hickman1961 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well when my car wont star i get a rag then pour coke on the rag wite the carbonation cord with the rag
2007-12-01 14:28:57 · answer #7 · answered by riddle king 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it's your starter.
2007-12-01 14:28:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋