BIG Problem with Electrical!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
BIG Problem with Electrical!
I tried to start my 2000 hardtop this morning and it was dead. No life from the engine at all. I heard a buzzing noise from the glove-box which continued even after I took the key out from the ignition. I tried to turn on the lights to no avail. The locks worked however. The speedometer lights barely turned on and the clock display on the cd player was weak. The buzzing noise from the glovebox (or behind it) continued on and off regardless of if I tried to start it again. I tried to start it a couple more times and there was also a clicking noise coming from somewhere in the cabin. The battery is about 6 months old so it should not be the problem. The buzzing noise went on and off even after I got out of the car. Is this a fuse problem or something more serious that maybe someone has heard of before? Please get back to me.
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
Originally Posted by kmthor00
mike, I would start with testing the battery no matter its age. Check volts, s/b around 12.5 to 12.75 volts
I will check it this afternoon but honestly I am nearly certain its not the battery. I will nevertheless check, however any other ideas?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Also, be sure to give a little twist on the cables that connect to the battery... sometimes they dont always make good contact / need cleaning.
Happened last week leaving work at 8:30 (no-one around to jump me). Fortunitly, a little twist and I was good (thank God).
Happened last week leaving work at 8:30 (no-one around to jump me). Fortunitly, a little twist and I was good (thank God).
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 2
From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia Ka
Originally Posted by pennstatesix
I tried to start my 2000 hardtop this morning and it was dead. No life from the engine at all. I heard a buzzing noise from the glove-box which continued even after I took the key out from the ignition. I tried to turn on the lights to no avail. The locks worked however. The speedometer lights barely turned on and the clock display on the cd player was weak. The buzzing noise from the glovebox (or behind it) continued on and off regardless of if I tried to start it again. I tried to start it a couple more times and there was also a clicking noise coming from somewhere in the cabin. The battery is about 6 months old so it should not be the problem. The buzzing noise went on and off even after I got out of the car. Is this a fuse problem or something more serious that maybe someone has heard of before? Please get back to me.
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 20
From: Olathe, Kansas
With the key off, Put a DC voltmeter on your battery. It should read around 12.3 -12.4 volts. Now open a door or put any load on the battery, if the voltage drops drastically (6-7 volts) it's the battery. Put in an Optima or Exide orbital and you'll be back in business.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
Originally Posted by EHS
I agree -- start with the battery. It's not an Optima, is it, by chance?
I tested the battery (AC Delco) and it has the proper voltage, even when opening the door and trying to turn on the lights.
The buzzing noise is present from behind the glovebox when trying to start the car, anyone familiar with this? I'm afraid this is something major.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 400
Likes: 2
From: Fort Worth TX
It's probably the battery. I had the same thing happen.
The buzzing you are hearing is the relay for the interior lights. It buzzes when you open the door and then stops after several seconds because the lights are on a timer. Open the floor fuse panel and feel the relays until you feel the buzzing one...it will be the interior light relay.
If you are lucky it may just be a bad connection at the battery...good luck!!
The buzzing you are hearing is the relay for the interior lights. It buzzes when you open the door and then stops after several seconds because the lights are on a timer. Open the floor fuse panel and feel the relays until you feel the buzzing one...it will be the interior light relay.
If you are lucky it may just be a bad connection at the battery...good luck!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: Foresters Falls(near Ottawa) Ont
Originally Posted by peggysspace@yahoo.co
I had that happen also, dead battery. Paid $150 for optima then spend another $30 for a battery tender, don't use an extension cord on the tender
Peggy
Peggy
I use a Battery Tender on three vehicles, all of them on an extension cord. No problems that I can see.
RonJ ...
