ForrestCoc

OK, this is my brothers car that has been sitting for about 3 months. I was attempting to get it running so I could use it for my self. Background. A couple of months ago t stopped and the battery was dead. I jump started it and moved it back to his house and parked it. Battery shot but the alternator was charging fine. Fast forward to now, +3 months. I put a new battery in it and tried to start it but it will not even attempt to crank. I confirmed that the starter relay is engaging but the solenoid and starter does nothing. Also, the radio will not power up, headlights and blinkers will not work, although the brake and backup lights do. Interior lights do not work, etc. This is a real puzzler. I have checked the fuses and all check out. Any ideas?

LScowboyLS

what year is the car?

the wiring diagrams are still available and cheap, and with those it is not difficult to chase down the electrical issue.

starter solenoids do go out in these cars, but if that were the isuue, you would still have radio, headlights, etc.

so this will end up likely being something cheap to fix if you do the detective work yourself

likely to be:

● a fuse
● a fuse link
● a bad primary ground
● bad or corroded battery terminals (I replaced my positive terminal with the dealership part)
● a wiring break or fault caused by aftermarket accessories (security system, stereo, etc.) or "slamming" (lowering) of the car
● the "good" battery you put in, isn't so good!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

confirm voltage at the starter itself when cranking. If good then possibly a dead starter.

LSCowboy's list is good, if possibly out of order. (I prefer to check battery/terminals before all else.)

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I would bet on cruddy battery cable ends... I doubt he even cleaned them..