Help me diagnose elec problem

Mattlock18 · Mattlock18's Garage

Every few times I take the SC out I'll go to start it and nothing happens. It seems like it's got some juice as the windows, etc. all work, but I get nothing when I turn the key. I had been keeping a portable jump starter in the car for when this happens, but yesterday the same thing happened and I couldn't get it started with that or from a jump start from a kind passerby. Luckily an old mechanic was passing by and, after giving up on figuring out the problem, helped me with a push start. The problem is he probably won't follow me around town waiting to help me next time.

I do know that the circuit powering the clock, etc. is drawing some power while the car is off, and did have an alarm put in recently. But, I doubt they are draining the battery enough in the five minutes I'm out of the car on some short trips to cause this problem. I haven't been able to locate a short and I'm starting to pull my hair out. Any ideas on what could be causing this would be appreciated.

CliffBrown · 09-07-2007, 12:35 PM

Check to make sure all the battery connections are tight, check to make sure you have 12.8v at the battery before the first drive of the day.

Check to make sure the grounds are clean & tight (at the battery and the tranny mount).

Check to make sure the main power lead is tight at the starter.

Low voltage is a common problem on our older cars, proper voltage helps to start and supply high voltage to the plugs for start.

stlrj · 09-07-2007, 01:10 PM

A bad starter solenoid caused my car to do the same thing.

Joe

RoninLB · 09-07-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattlock18

I had been keeping a portable jump starter in the car for when this happens, but yesterday the same thing happened and I couldn't get it started with that or from a jump start from a kind passerby. Luckily an old mechanic was passing by and, after giving up on figuring out the .

i guess you jumped the battery, not the starter solenoid.

What happens when you jump the starter solenoid ?

LM3929 · 09-07-2007, 04:38 PM

if your trans ground strap is old or covered in oil try changing it , that was my problem after changing the solenoid , ignition switch and charging the battery several times.