Hi all,
Does anyone konw how to find out if there is a problem with battery or starter.
Few days ago when I went to start my car, I noticed that I forget to turn off the lights. I immidiatly turn off the lights and try to start the car. The car did not start. I waited about half hour. The car started without any problem. This week, I did not drive the car for about 5 days. I went to start the car, it did start after warming up abut 5 minute, I drove way. On the way, I stopped by a store. Went to the store and come back in 2 minutes. The car won't start again. When I try to start, I can hear a Tick.. noice. The moter do not try to start that's all. I tried many times the car won't start. After about half hour, the car started again. I wonder if my battery is low or there might be problem with the starter. I bought the car about 4 years ago. I have never changed the battery. Any suggestions. Thanks.

 

i had a problem like this on my 93 jeep cherokee. It would start sometimes and wouldnt start others. if i gave it gas while i was turning the key, it would finally turn over. does yours try to turn over or is it just sitting there. it could be your shifter. make sure its all the way in park first. next with my problem it was a the cat. it was so full of crap i couldnt get my car to start. after i replaced it the car was like brand new.

also to check on battery and alternator. i think you can go to advance auto or your local shop and they test it for free. i had to have a battery tested before to see if it was good, it wasnt so i bought a battery there and he put it in for me even. good luck. just my 2 cents.

Gregg

 

Most likely the problem is your battery. Go to the auto parts store and have them test the battery.

 

Yeah, I know Autozone will test the battery and alternator for free.

 

I would place my bet on the battery, especially if it's at least 4 yrs old.

 

It sounds like since the time you left the lights on you haven't fully charged the battery. Either put a charger on it or go for a good daytime highway drive to give the battery a charge. One way or another it sounds like battery.

 

your symptons are very weird, it sounds like your starter is going out, has a loose connection, or you have a bad ground... but everything else points to battery

 

i would say it is something with the battery. i worked at a car dealership for a few years and when the car clicks, it is a dead giveaway that the battery is dead. as for the not starting and then all of a sudden starting right up, i would say, check the terminals of the battery for corrosion. also check the negative lead of the battery and make sure it has a good solid and non-corroded connection to the chassis. furthermore check all electrical connections to the starter. this sound like, mainly, a battery problem, but you may run into future problems with the starter or connections. it is always best to fix something before it is completely broken.

 

Thanks. What is "cat" ? I think this this is a new term for me. I am going to a car shop next. Just waiting form my pay check this Friday.

 

He means catalyic (sp?) converter. It's part of the exhaust After the y-pipe and before the b-pipe and muffler. If it was your starter you'll hear a grinding sound or a whirlling sound and the engine doesn't jump or attempt to turn over. This sounds like your battery. Some batteries aren't made to be drained completely.

 

cat

 

How did you get the crap out of the cat **** insertion? j/k

 

uh-oh....

 

Thats funny. Thats the laugh for the day.

 

Nice cat It it makes my Max run like new. I gotta get one.

 

Finally, I take my car to garage today. It was my starter. The guy at the garage tested my battery. He said that my battery and alternator is ok. It was the starter that was causing the problem. It costs me $140 to change the starter. Just wanted you guys to update. Thanks.