Car won't start
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: NC
Car won't start
Out of the blue, the car wouldn't start. There was initially no power. I tried jumping it and when I connected the cables. I got power but it still wouldn't start. Wouldn't even turn over. Do I have a bad battery or alternator? I'm not in the position to get the battery tested.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 31
From: Georgia
I have jump started my 460 once because of a defective driver side door switch. I let the battery charge up about 15 minutes before trying to start it. I kept the donor car idling at ~1200+ during that time.
If the battery is over three years old, replace it. Good luck!
If the battery is over three years old, replace it. Good luck!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 310
From: TX
"mdpresco" gave you some very good advice.
In addition to his suggestion, you should set the headlight switch to OFF and you should set the Accessory/Ignition to OFF. You will not be able to tell if the Accessory/Ignition is ON until you get the jumper cables attached. After attaching the jumper cables, without placing your foot on the brake pedal look at the Start switch to see if it has an LED illuminated. If there is an illuminated LED, press the Start switch once or twice until the LED is extinguished.
Then, as "mdpresco" suggested: "let the battery charge up about 15 minutes before trying to start it - keep the donor car idling at ~1200+ during that time."
If your battery was good before this event, it was likely damaged by being discharged. If you are not able to have it tested then you should replace it with a new battery.
Defective doorjamb switches have been responsible for phantom battery discharges in these cars.
In addition to his suggestion, you should set the headlight switch to OFF and you should set the Accessory/Ignition to OFF. You will not be able to tell if the Accessory/Ignition is ON until you get the jumper cables attached. After attaching the jumper cables, without placing your foot on the brake pedal look at the Start switch to see if it has an LED illuminated. If there is an illuminated LED, press the Start switch once or twice until the LED is extinguished.
Then, as "mdpresco" suggested: "let the battery charge up about 15 minutes before trying to start it - keep the donor car idling at ~1200+ during that time."
If your battery was good before this event, it was likely damaged by being discharged. If you are not able to have it tested then you should replace it with a new battery.
Defective doorjamb switches have been responsible for phantom battery discharges in these cars.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 757
Likes: 61
From: GA
Out of the blue, the car wouldn't start. There was initially no power. I tried jumping it and when I connected the cables. I got power but it still wouldn't start. Wouldn't even turn over. Do I have a bad battery or alternator? I'm not in the position to get the battery tested.
Sounds like a starter if it doesn’t crank
It's also good to have one of these around just in case. BASAF Car Jump Starter 600A Peak (up to 5.0L Gas or 2.8T/3.0L Diesel), Portable Battery Booster Pack Emergency Kit, JX10 Multifunction Power Bank with Smart USB Charge Port, LED SOS Light
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ChrisG1000
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Aug 11, 2011 10:40 AM