Car won't start
11-15-2010, 11:00 AM
#1
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Car won't start Don't know WTF is wrong.
Car has been running perfect and this weekend I decided to clean her up real good. Wash, polish, wax and she is looking all nice and pretty.
Decided to go to the drug store to pick up some meds and when I turned the key NOTHING just some clicking. Radio work which is odd, and on one of the attempts to crank the rear hatch unlocked
Doesn't seem like the battery or alternator since the power works in the car, is it the starter or something else?
Car has been running perfect and this weekend I decided to clean her up real good. Wash, polish, wax and she is looking all nice and pretty.
Decided to go to the drug store to pick up some meds and when I turned the key NOTHING just some clicking. Radio work which is odd, and on one of the attempts to crank the rear hatch unlocked
Doesn't seem like the battery or alternator since the power works in the car, is it the starter or something else?
11-15-2010, 11:14 AM
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I'm thinking the same
Of course I'm at our new place and my jacks and stands are at my old place still so I can't get under the car to look
Perfect timing really...will go well with the $1,000 on new tires and pads for the wife's car
11-15-2010, 11:19 AM
#4
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I feel your pain, I got dicked over on a built auto recently. Bought it and the the damn thing was already blown. $800 bucks down the drain with no recourse.
11-15-2010, 11:22 AM
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You can have enough battery voltage to power the accessories but not crank the engine. I'd check the battery voltage first. If it looks ok with a voltage meter, then test it under a load and see how it looks. If you don't have the tools for this, most parts stores will test the battery for you.
11-15-2010, 11:37 AM
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I would not jump to conclusions that it's the starter based on what you know so far. What you have described sounds like a battery issue to me.
You can have enough battery voltage to power the accessories but not crank the engine. I'd check the battery voltage first. If it looks ok with a voltage meter, then test it under a load and see how it looks. If you don't have the tools for this, most parts stores will test the battery for you.
You can have enough battery voltage to power the accessories but not crank the engine. I'd check the battery voltage first. If it looks ok with a voltage meter, then test it under a load and see how it looks. If you don't have the tools for this, most parts stores will test the battery for you.
This sucks ***...
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11-15-2010, 11:54 AM
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The battery died on my car when I turned the key it would click fast. My lights were on and everything. Even called my friend and told him my dome lights were working said it didn't matter. So you did the optima and still didn't start? Usually wouldn't even click if there is a connection problem somewhere meaning little or no power. Remember mine did this on my way to work sucked so bad. Good luck! You could also try jump starting it off a car if it fires right up probably battery. Then check alternator to see if its not killing the battery.
Last edited by cammedss2000; 11-15-2010 at 12:04 PM.
11-15-2010, 01:54 PM
#9
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Up and running...damn battery
My dad just stopped by to jump me
Guess I flipped up the headlights a bit too often to clean under the "eye lids" and it drained the battery enough to where it couldn't start. Probably have to replace the battery in the not so distant future
My dad just stopped by to jump me
Guess I flipped up the headlights a bit too often to clean under the "eye lids" and it drained the battery enough to where it couldn't start. Probably have to replace the battery in the not so distant future
11-15-2010, 04:10 PM
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Always start with the simple stuff. If you had bought a starter first, you'd be hating life right now. 
+ 1
11-15-2010, 04:28 PM
#12
I would not jump to conclusions that it's the starter based on what you know so far. What you have described sounds like a battery issue to me.
I had a battery short interally on me before. Everything worked fine before I parked it. When to start it and nothing, but my gauges would move all funky.
On another note, I have been told you can prevent this by dropping a few asprin in the battery (lead acid type of course).
11-16-2010, 02:15 PM
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11-17-2010, 09:12 AM
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One of the good things about freaking out is it often leads to buying new parts...when I thought the starter went, it sounded like a great time to drop a 402 in there
11-17-2010, 09:46 AM
#17
It to me sound like the battery is low on voltage. The fast clicking you are is the starter trying to engage the flywheel/flex plate. Get a jump box/or put the battery on a charge. I am sure that is your problem. Being that you said that battery sat for a while, it prolly self discharged. If it is a Optima, advanced auto and auto zone will put it on a trickle charge for free. It take a while to trickle charge those batteries. So they may have it over night. Hope you figure it out, keep us posted.
