Nothing happens when I turn the key. Just one click. I get all lights, and they don't dim when I try to start. Should I try to jump it, or is it likely something else?

 

sounds like a dead battery to me, not enough juice to turn her over, but enough to light the lights.

jump it, drive it to Autozone and have your battery load tested for free. If declared a gonner, get a new one while you are there.

steviej

 

When was the last time you drove your car? If it was last night, then you should still have enough power in the battery to get a whole slur of clicks. If it's just one click, then hmm probably check the starter. But like stevej said, go get it jumped first and foremost.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I haven't driven the car in four days. The battery is only 18 months old, but it doesn't always start right up after it sits for a few days. Is there something that causes the battery to drain? I'd think the car could sit for a week or two and still start. I'm in a position that the car will often sit for several days, so I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

If possible, peek into the trunk, glove box, and hood under dark conditions by just opening it a crack and see if the inside bulb is staying on when the lids are shut. This is a VERY common problem.

 

Same thing happened to me last midnight last friday. All I here is a click when I try to start the engine, but the map lights still work. Got the battery replaced today and everything's fine again.

 

DEAD DECOMPOSING BATTERY MAYBE? ?