Starting problem help...push button, One click!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 984
Likes: 32
From: Atlanta GA
Starting problem help...push button, One click!
I need a little advise... Started my 2012 manual trans coupe a few days ago for a short trip....got the "service charging" warning....
My car stays on a tender at all times and I have a new-ish battery, about a year old....gauge was showing about 13....so immediately I think alternator, which is a simple garage change.....but went out to start it a day later and all I get is one Click! All gauges cycle thru, headlights go on, all interior lights up....now I'm thinking starter, not as easy in my garage....or possibly just a bad relay or connection if I get really lucky....
Any other obvious stuff I should do before throwing parts and tools to this?
I really don't want to flatbed this to a mechanic or dealer!
My car stays on a tender at all times and I have a new-ish battery, about a year old....gauge was showing about 13....so immediately I think alternator, which is a simple garage change.....but went out to start it a day later and all I get is one Click! All gauges cycle thru, headlights go on, all interior lights up....now I'm thinking starter, not as easy in my garage....or possibly just a bad relay or connection if I get really lucky....
Any other obvious stuff I should do before throwing parts and tools to this?
I really don't want to flatbed this to a mechanic or dealer!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 623
Likes: 130
From: Az
I need a little advise... Started my 2012 manual trans coupe a few days ago for a short trip....got the "service charging" warning....
My car stays on a tender at all times and I have a new-ish battery, about a year old....gauge was showing about 13....so immediately I think alternator, which is a simple garage change.....but went out to start it a day later and all I get is one Click! All gauges cycle thru, headlights go on, all interior lights up....now I'm thinking starter, not as easy in my garage....or possibly just a bad relay or connection if I get really lucky....
Any other obvious stuff I should do before throwing parts and tools to this?
I really don't want to flatbed this to a mechanic or dealer!
My car stays on a tender at all times and I have a new-ish battery, about a year old....gauge was showing about 13....so immediately I think alternator, which is a simple garage change.....but went out to start it a day later and all I get is one Click! All gauges cycle thru, headlights go on, all interior lights up....now I'm thinking starter, not as easy in my garage....or possibly just a bad relay or connection if I get really lucky....
Any other obvious stuff I should do before throwing parts and tools to this?
I really don't want to flatbed this to a mechanic or dealer!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 984
Likes: 32
From: Atlanta GA
True, brand new batteries can take a crap, I did check the connections and zero corrosion and tight... but since I’ve always kept it on a tender seems to have plenty of juice.....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 984
Likes: 32
From: Atlanta GA
After I push the start button it is sitting at only 12.5.... after being on the battery tender non stop... so I guess I need to get this battery checked before digging deeper... even tho it’s pretty new...
i should still be able to jump start from another car tho if that’s the case, right?
i should still be able to jump start from another car tho if that’s the case, right?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
To eliminate the battery as the source of the problem here's a simple way to check the condition of the battery:
1. Go into accessory mode by holding the start button for 10 seconds without your foot on the brake.
2, Turn on the head lights and fans to high
3. Test the horn.
If the horn sounds normal, your battery is okay. With a discharged battery, the horn will sound weak and off tone.
1. Go into accessory mode by holding the start button for 10 seconds without your foot on the brake.
2, Turn on the head lights and fans to high
3. Test the horn.
If the horn sounds normal, your battery is okay. With a discharged battery, the horn will sound weak and off tone.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 805
Likes: 392
After I push the start button it is sitting at only 12.5.... after being on the battery tender non stop... so I guess I need to get this battery checked before digging deeper... even tho it’s pretty new...
i should still be able to jump start from another car tho if that’s the case, right?
i should still be able to jump start from another car tho if that’s the case, right?
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
When checking your cable connections, include the positive & ground connections on your starter. The positive connection to the starter solenoid may be loose or the terminal broken. The ground connection just above the starter on the engine may also be need cleaning.
Good luck & let us know what you find.
GD
Good luck & let us know what you find.
GD
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Because you get one click and then nothing before the gauges reset, the most likely problem is the starter solenoid cracked at the positive cable connection. If you wiggle the cable, you can either get the engine to start or break the connection completely. If you don't have the capability of pulling the starter yourself, take the car to an auto electric shop to check, diagnose, and replace the solenoid if needed. It'll only cost about $40 for parts vs $200+ for a whole starter at a dealership. Auto shop labor is usually less than dealers too.