Hello everyone,

I have a MY05 and up to this time it has only 28k miles on it.
Last week during the crazy cold weather, my car died on the driveway. It was running great 2 days before that.
I could not turn the engine on although all the lights and radio were still working.
It sounded like the problem was either the battery or the starter didn't wanna play (non-experienced assumtion :-) ).

Would it be either one of those issues?

If it was then would my warranty cover it?

Thanks,


Don

 

Call your dealership.
They would probably cover the starter. You might get a pro-rate on the battery if it died before it's time.

 

Would it be wierd tho cuz my car is not even 4 years old.
How long would the battery's useful life be?

Don

 

Did the lights dim or starter relay click when you tried to start it? Could be something as simple as corrosion on the battery terminal.

 

If your batter dies, sometimes even once, it simply won't hold a charge. The cold weather is the worst and it is probably when a weak battery will show itself. See if you can jump it with another car battery first to ensure that is what it is. If it still won't start, check starter selenoid (sp) or the starter itself.

Do you hear anything at all when trying to start? Is there a clicking sound?

 

What happens when you try to turn the key and fire it up? What do you hear, what does the car do?

 

My experience with OEM batteries over the years has been that they last about 4 years. Cold weather is usually when the weakness shows up. Go to an auto-parts store and buy a new one (take the old one in with you). You're due for a new one anyway.

 

Jumpstart the car, chage the battery out later.

 

so what does it mean if you hear clicking but the car wont start?
just curious... so i know next time, thanks!

 

It sounds like your battery might be due to be replaced.


On another note, the battery in my 1999 Ford F150 is original. It will be 10 years old in 3 months. Never had to charge it and it has jump started a number of vehicles through the years. You just never know. The battery in my MY04 s2000 feels tired already. Actually, I believe that batteries are more prone to fail in extreme heat than cold. I am not sure if thats true, but I remember reading it somewhere.