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Car Won't Start, Clicking
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown, PA
Car Won't Start, Clicking
Finally got a decent day here in PA after 2 weeks in the freeze. So, I went to take out my 98 Vert this morning and it won't start. It has been sitting two weeks and all I get is clicking when attempting to start. I went through the procedure to pull the recent codes and nothing. I reset the gas cap - no luck. I am getting a low voltage message followed by a reading of 9.3 volts. Is this too low for the engine to turn over? The OEM battery was already replaced. Before I run out and get an Optima Red Top as suggested on the CF, I wanted to run this by the experts. I am a technical geek but by no means know what I am doing when it comes to the mechanics of the car.
Pls help. Thanks all.
Pls help. Thanks all.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
FOR WHAT EVER REASON YOU HAVE A DEAD BATTERY! Try charging the battery with a battery charger, Could just be low but, normaly, a C5 should be able to sit a lot longer than that without having a dead battery. I have a post on checking the battery current draw when the car is off. Look in the search section and look under post by: Bill Curlee. It in there some where.
You need to make sure that nothing is being left on. Some people have had problems with the HVAC fan coming on for no reason, the seat adjuster button sticking in some position other than off, leaving a cell phone or radar detector on, glove box light left on, interior lights left on. ect ect........
Or it could be a bad battery. Charge the battery, make sure that your cable terminals and battery terminals are clean and the battery cable are torqued to the battery to 11 ft/lbs.
Bill C
You need to make sure that nothing is being left on. Some people have had problems with the HVAC fan coming on for no reason, the seat adjuster button sticking in some position other than off, leaving a cell phone or radar detector on, glove box light left on, interior lights left on. ect ect........
Or it could be a bad battery. Charge the battery, make sure that your cable terminals and battery terminals are clean and the battery cable are torqued to the battery to 11 ft/lbs.
Bill C
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown, PA
Update: bought a socket extension at home depot ... $5. Grabbed a optima red top 75 /35 at Pep Boys ... $110. Getting the swap done tonight in time for a quick cruise before the primetime NFL game starts ... PRICELESS.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 3
From: Rehoboth MA . . . NRA Life Member
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Your car is suffering from something called DBS. It is curable though and can strike at any age but there is a cure. Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention DBS stands for: Dead Battery Syndrome 
.
Be certain that something's not draining you battery and if it's a go buy a new one.
Bob
.Be certain that something's not draining you battery and if it's a go buy a new one.
Bob
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Call out for all red top pictures.. LOL
I have one in my car too... No Pictures though... no battery pride here!
I have one in my car too... No Pictures though... no battery pride here!
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 556
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From: Jacksonville FL
St. Jude Donor '06-'09
Originally Posted by BLOWNZO6
Call out for all red top pictures.. LOL
I have one in my car too... No Pictures though... no battery pride here!
I have one in my car too... No Pictures though... no battery pride here!
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Originally Posted by e-hodges
just happened to have a under hood shot with it....whatever
And thanks for the compliment on the helmet.. you are the second one to say that to me today...
Borrowed helmet for the runner up in the rental car class at the 2002 Syclone/Typhoon Nationals...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Lutz FL
Back on topic...
Red top optima here. Had same issue about 2 weeks ago...Left the house, (had enough juice to start it then - go figure) pulled up at gas station about a mile away. Filled the car, went to start it to leave, and bam...click click click click....battery toast! Replaced the AC Delco and have had no issues since....Good luck
Red top optima here. Had same issue about 2 weeks ago...Left the house, (had enough juice to start it then - go figure) pulled up at gas station about a mile away. Filled the car, went to start it to leave, and bam...click click click click....battery toast! Replaced the AC Delco and have had no issues since....Good luck
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Originally Posted by e-hodges
Now who's a little to serious??
I really mean it its a nice helmet!!!!
I really mean it its a nice helmet!!!!
It was all in fun.. I did not think you meant anything negative by it, just playing... I can tell you that if I had a picture of my red top, I would have posted it... I ACTUALLY looked for one...
