kws87

iTrader: (6)

Hey everyone,

I think my alternator is out on my 04 CTS-V. When I turn the ignition it clicks once and then hums. Before I spend a small fortune fixing this I have read that faulty/loose ground wires could cause the same problem - and I would greatly appreciate it someone could tell me where those are and what to look for. Thanks much

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

There is one on the passenger side behind the tail light and there is one on the base of the hood strut. I'd check the rear ground first, but it could just be your battery depending on it's age.

1BADCTS

iTrader: (17)

I believe there is also a ground on the back of the passenger cylinder head. Did the battery and alternator test ok at autozone? That's always my first check... after making sure my battery terminal's are tight on the battery of course.

kws87

iTrader: (6)

My battery is just under 2 years old. I would love to take it to AutoZone to check - however the car decided it wouldn't start at all yesterday afternoon. Any way I could check to see if its the battery at this point? Thanks for the help

CancerJCC

iTrader: (4)

All ground locations with pics can be found here: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-here-11.html

Although I think you just need a new battery.

kws87

iTrader: (6)

If it jumps does that mean its the battery?

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

my battery went to **** in about 2 years. I was pissed

kws87

iTrader: (6)

I tried jumping the car but got nothing. The car is showing a battery voltage of 11-12 if that means anything. Still just making a "click" when I turn the ignition. Thanks for the help

Skidmarcx

First thing to check is the health of the battery... Fully charged it should read 12.66 volts... Could be several problems... Bad/Cheap battery, faulty alternator, faulty starter, bad connection... List goes on. Cheap batteries will stress the alternator and starter causing premature failure... Not saying you have a cheap battery, but it is something to be aware of

kws87

iTrader: (6)

I will try to get a ride up to AutoZone and take the battery with. In case it helps anyone diagnose the problem -

My first notice of it not starting right away was only this past Wednesday, 2 tries to start and it just "clicked", started right up on the 3rd try. Happened again Thursday in much the same way, called the dealership to make an appointment. I drove the car and it happened again - but started right up after 4-5 tries, but otherwise I was driving around like normal all day. Then, yesterday (Friday) afternoon - nothing, just the "click"....followed by sadness

I appreciate the help, LS1tech always comes through.

CancerJCC

iTrader: (4)

Just get a new battery and go from there. Which I suspect will be the end of your troubles.

kws87

iTrader: (6)

In case anyone ever has the same problem. Battery tested fine, I hard started the car and drove it to the shop. It started fine a couple times right after driving it and the shop wasn't able to replicate the problem today (like I haven't heard that before). Also, alternator tested just fine.

Possibly just had the starter locked up? No idea, just hoping it doesn't happen again. Thanks again

Skidmarcx

I'd really look into your battery/ground connections as well as the positive cable going to the alternator and starter

joehernandez86

iTrader: (1)

When mine did what your describing it was the battery. Also might want to check your connection from the alternator plug to see if its in good shape i had to replace mine when it started showing low voltage and battery light. I think there is a Service bulletin on the alternator plug.

AlamoTA

iTrader: (10)

It really sounds like a connection problem. Possibly corrosion under the insulation. You have just enough connection to allow the click, but sometimes corrosion won't allow enough amperage to turn the starter. I'd check both ground and power wires for corrosion under the insulation at the terminals,starter, and grounds. Good Luck! I'd lay money on one of your main wires going bad.