Starting Issue
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Starting Issue
A neighbor has an '04 C5 vert and the car will not start. Turn the key and I hear a "clicking" noise similar to what a bad starter sounds like. Sound is coming from under the right (pass side) side of the engine. There is no dome light or under hood light working and he states no parking lights either.
Apparently the car was started every month prior to this and now this is happening. Would this be some sort of a security "lock out" initiated by accident or simply a bad starter/battery issue? Car is not on a battery/trickle charger and never has been. 42k on the odo....auto trans. That ambiant light from the rear view mirror is working as well dash lights and gauges do sweep when you attempt to start. Clock is lit and temp display on temp contols function.
Any ideas as I'm not too familiar with GM electronics...
Thanks..
Apparently the car was started every month prior to this and now this is happening. Would this be some sort of a security "lock out" initiated by accident or simply a bad starter/battery issue? Car is not on a battery/trickle charger and never has been. 42k on the odo....auto trans. That ambiant light from the rear view mirror is working as well dash lights and gauges do sweep when you attempt to start. Clock is lit and temp display on temp contols function.
Any ideas as I'm not too familiar with GM electronics...
Thanks..
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 42
From: Lake Norrell Arkansas
Usually the simpliest and most basic things that fail are the battery connections, battery as in low charge and then starter solenoid and starter. So be sure the battery connections are good and the battery is fully charged. It is easy to overlook the simple and most basic of problems. I have seen cars towed in that just needed a battery cable tightened.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Usually the simpliest and most basic things that fail are the battery connections, battery as in low charge and then starter solenoid and starter. So be sure the battery connections are good and the battery is fully charged. It is easy to overlook the simple and most basic of problems. I have seen cars towed in that just needed a battery cable tightened.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Gotta check that stuff first!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Rather than jump start, much better / safer to put battery on a charger and then try to start, after fully charging battery. Personally, I'll never jump start my C5, too much chance for creating other problems.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Just don't touch positive to ground. It's really very simple and safe to do.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
My reason for not jumping the battery is the battery is obviously dead. Jumping it he might well get the car running. But it will take many many hours of driving to fully charge the battery off the alternator. If the battery is bad and you shut it down someplace not near home you are likely to have the car not start and then either need to find someone to jump it again or need it towed. My approach is find out what's going on near home and NOT invite unnecessary complications. You are welcome to your opinion just as I am for mine.
My issue is with people who say you will do damage by jumping.
