Recently my car has been hesitating to start. I would crank and it would normally take like 2-3 second to turn over. Today, I tried to start and got a weak crank until it wouldn't crank anymore. Now, when I crank it up, I get one click. Any ideas? Is it my starter or my battery? Help!

 

Starter is done for...get it replaced

 

check your battery before doing ^^^

 

I am on my way this morning to replace the battery. Hopefully this is the issue. If not, then I would assume its the starter. Any other ideas?

 

This gets covered all the time. Bust out your multimeter. Check battery voltage with car off. If it is below ~10 volts it's not charged. Start the car, probably by boosting it. Check battery voltage again. It should be about 2 volts higher than the reading with the car off. If the reading is the same it means your alternator is not charging your battery, so replace it. If it is charging your battery then your battery might be toast. If your battery is ok, then check your starter/have it tested. If it's not that, then I don't know.

Good luck.

 

I am almost very positive it is the alternator.

Autozone will let you know if it is battery or alternator.

 

Well, I just replaced the alternator about 3 months ago so I doubt that's the issue. I just bought a brand new battery but the car still does not start. It doesn't even crank. I simply get ONE CLICK! Is it time to replace the starter???

 

Let someone help diagnose if it is the starter. If not, that same new alternator is fried! I have had this same problem before. When I used to own a Camry. Same issue.

Make sure you are certain it is the starter. Ask Autozone to check if alternator is working right. They can check that.

But I am still positive it is the alternator.

 

Dumb question but how can I get the car to advanced auto parts if it doesn't start? Will a jump start work or does that only work when the battery is dead?

 

Oh crap! Yeah, try jump starting it. If it works, it is really the alternator. If not, I really do not know how you will get it out of there.

 

Take the bus. If you boost it and it stalls then either your battery is super dead or your alternator isn't providing enough power to keep the car running. You have to take the alternator out for them to test it, no?

 

had the same problem before too... i just got my starter replaced... check your battery/alternator first... then try your starter... if you've got a new battery then I doubt its your battery but you also said you got ur alt replaced not too long ago... trying hittin the starter with a hammer or something to loosen it up and get it going and start it then. That might be your issue.

 

Its the starter

 

If you haven't arleady, pull the battery and take just that. If it checks out, it's probably your starter.

A trick you can try is to tap the start with some something metal and heavy, like a hammer or good sized wrench. If it starts after that, it's definately your starter. If you haven't had a chance to trouble shoot the battery, it couldn't hurt to try this.

In fact, if you haven't done anything yet, i'd try tapp'n your starter BEFORE pulling the battery. May save you a trip if it works.

Capitone

 

Thanks fellas. Your help is much appreciated. I bought a new starter and she starts soooooo smooth now. I can't remember the last time she started so nicely!

 

nice, poster #2 was spot on lol