My car wont start!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: brooklyn
My car wont start!!!
Today when I tried to start my car the power cut off and the engine never turned. After I fiddled with and shook the battery for awhile I got it to turn on. I first suspected a loose cable to the battery but I tightened that back up and I'm still having the same problem. I checked the voltage on the battery and it was fine so I don't think that I need a new one. But I'm still having this problem. Anyone here have a similar experience.....do you think I need a new alternator, if so how much will that cost? Also, I have a system set up in my car with a second battery and two caps. I checked the charge on the second batter and it was also fine.
Thank you in advance for your comments and advice.
Thank you in advance for your comments and advice.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: My car wont start!!! (juser250)
I doubt that it's your alternator. If the alternator were bad, moving the battery around would not allow the car to start. Is the primary Optima still under warranty? Have it subjected to a load-test. I've read of a few Optima batteries that have failed prematurely.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 2
From: Aloha, Oregon
Re: My car wont start!!! (juser250)
alternator has nothing to do with starting a car.
If you are saying the motor simply does not turn over then the solenoid on the starter may be bad or there is impedence between the battery and starter. first check all connections on starter to ensure not corroded or loose. do same at battery.
Another more common problem is a VATS malfunction (Vehicle Anti Theft System). If you have LS1Edit you might be able to disable VATS. Do a search here on the forum for some of the solutions others have had with VATS not letting them start their car.
Robert
GenIII MS
If you are saying the motor simply does not turn over then the solenoid on the starter may be bad or there is impedence between the battery and starter. first check all connections on starter to ensure not corroded or loose. do same at battery.
Another more common problem is a VATS malfunction (Vehicle Anti Theft System). If you have LS1Edit you might be able to disable VATS. Do a search here on the forum for some of the solutions others have had with VATS not letting them start their car.
Robert
GenIII MS
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
Re: My car wont start!!! (juser250)
Pull off the positive cable and check to see if there is corrosion on the post or the battery nut. Clean both with some acid neutralizer. I had this happen to me when I changed my battery. The corrosion didn't seem like much but since the posts and connection area are so small it was enough to prevent my car from starting. Hopefully your issue is this simple. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: My car wont start!!! (juser250)
Jump start the car and let it run for a while. Then turn off the car and load test the battery. If the battery is fine, restart the car and hookup a voltmeter to test the alternator. That will let you know if the battery & alternator is good or not. Beyond that you could have a world of problems with the starter or wiring.. :cry
VR :cheers:
VR :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
Re: My car wont start!!! (vetterdstr)
Check your fuel pressure at the rail with ignition on. If it reads 10-30 psi, you have a fuel delivery problem. In my case, I couldn't get the engine to start...cause was a broken ground wire from the fuel rail to the back of the engine head.
