So I have suspected a problem the last few days... today I almost got stranded in the SAMs parking lot...

My car has seemed like it has been cranking slow while starting up for the last few days. I checked the battery. 12.8V

Today I drove to SAMs and parked it and when I came back out to go and it wouldn't start. I turn the key and it just clicks and doesn't turn. I tried numerous times. Tried taking key out and putting it back in. Checked for coded. No codes. Tried push starting it... couldn't get it started, then I tried starting it one more time and it slowly cranked and started. It sounds like a dead battery but the battery voltage is reading fine. 12.8V
I am thinking either starter or ignition switch. I have no experience with these though.
The alternator is putting out 13.72-13.96V This seems low to me, but I don't think it is the problem.

Anyone have experience like this?

 

Any CEL's? Might want to try checking your ground points.

 

NO codes.
I will check the grounds in the morning. But it just seems lime something was wearing out. It started cranking slow, then it wouldn't crank at all. I think the battery is fine, but maybe not... I mean it is behaving just like a dead battery would, but it tested to 12.8V I guess I should have them test battery and alternator tomorrow. If I can get it started.

Another question. How hard is it to push start the car? I tried it and when I let the clutch out it was just like hitting the brakes. The car just stopped and never even tried to fire up. I put it in first gear and held the clutch in and my friend pushed it as fast as he could and got me up to maybe 3-4mph and I let the clutch out and nothing happened. (yes, key was in ON position) Is there a better way to do it. I never tried it in second gear, but I don't see why that would work better anyway.

 

I can't push start my autos

 

that voltage is fine a little above idle. range is 12-14.4 (max). try it again and if it clicks knock it with a hammer. it being the starter. easiest way to do that is to get a long pole (i used a 1/2 inch extension bar) and place it on the starter. when trying to start the car give it some good whacks and it should start up. it that solves it then you should be pretty sure it is your starter although that is what is sounds like from what you stated so far. remote start makes this a ton easier if you have it, otherwise, you'll need a friend. mine dies on me in the middle of mahattan. thank god i had some tools with me or it would have been $$$ for a tow truck. if it is the starter, this trick will only work a few times so change it ASAP. the BEST way to be sure is to take it off and have it tested of course.

FYI, make sure you knock the body and not the cap.

 

alright. I will give that a try. still need to check the grounds I guess. But I think at least the starter will be fairly easy to replace if that's the problem.

 

hah yeah i was meaning to ask you how you can push start a car...does that ignite something in the engine?

 

Your suppose to be able to put it in gear and push the clutch in and get someone to push you as fast as they can and then let the clutch out and it should fire up and go... theoretically...

 

Oh and I had the battery and alty tested and they were both fine. According to the guy at Oreilly with the tester. So today after class (or rather durring my last class) I will go pick up a starter... these bastards cost a lot... this sucks

 

its not theoretical. if its a manual tranny you have to put the car in gear and when it is rolling lift your foot up off of the clutch quickly. it does the same thing a starter does. it turns over the engine. problem is a) if you are alone (although i have done it by myself) and b) you have to be going fast enough (uphiill and you are out of luck).

 

$50 here. rebuilt of course

 

Well... you .... suck... I just paid 150
lol
And it was starter. I put new one in and it fired right up. Never heard it crank that fast!
So yeah...
Now I am gonna open up the old one and see if I can fix it. Maybe it just needs regreasing. If i can then I can take the new one out and just take it back. So... just one more thing. I'm taking bets on the next thing that's gonna break. Cause I mean as soon as I replace one thing something else goes...

 

lol. $20 on knock sensor.