Car won't start
#1
Thread Starter
Car won't start
I drove my car home about an hour ago, no problems.
I got back in the car 15mins ago, and it won't start. When I push the start button, I get a loud clicking/stuttering noise from (I think) the starter, and the lights all dim.
The battery's only 18 months old, the oil is fine, and I started the car 5 times today with no problem.
Is it safe to push start it? Should I just get it towed? I'm still under warranty.
Thanks,
Dave
I got back in the car 15mins ago, and it won't start. When I push the start button, I get a loud clicking/stuttering noise from (I think) the starter, and the lights all dim.
The battery's only 18 months old, the oil is fine, and I started the car 5 times today with no problem.
Is it safe to push start it? Should I just get it towed? I'm still under warranty.
Thanks,
Dave
#2
Sounds like you've got a bum battery. Not unheard of.
Can you get a boost from someone? You can push start it. It's not that difficult with this car. Do it in 2nd and get ready to push the clutch in as soon as it fires.
Can you get a boost from someone? You can push start it. It's not that difficult with this car. Do it in 2nd and get ready to push the clutch in as soon as it fires.
#4
Originally Posted by tinkfist,Sep 6 2006, 02:35 PM
Would the battery go dead in only 15 minutes? I'd look at the alternator as well.
Put a voltmeter on the battery terminals and take a read. Once you get the engine started, do this again. At rest, the battery should read about 12.5V or more. After a cold start, it should give you a reading of near 14.0V. If it reads, 14V, your charging system is OK. If the battery voltage is low, you either have a dead battery or one that will not accept a charge.
#5
Thread Starter
xviper, thanks again!
I got a reading of 10.38V across the terminals, so I jump-started it from my wife's car with no problem.
I guess I'll head out to Sears and get a battery tonight.
I'm surprised it went so quickly. It's an Optima battery that I bought in March '05.
I got a reading of 10.38V across the terminals, so I jump-started it from my wife's car with no problem.
I guess I'll head out to Sears and get a battery tonight.
I'm surprised it went so quickly. It's an Optima battery that I bought in March '05.
#7
Originally Posted by DiamondDave2005,Sep 6 2006, 04:02 PM
It's an Optima battery that I bought in March '05.