Problem starting
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Problem starting
Lately when I turn the key to start my 2002 SC 430 it doesn't crank, it feels like if the battery is completely dead, after trying a couple of times it starts fine, does anyone had this kind of problem? And what is the cause.
I'll appreciate any help.
I'll appreciate any help.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 704
Likes: 28
From: KC, MO
I recently had the same symptom and it was the battery. When the battery drops below some threshold voltage the starter will not even attempt to crank the engine. The headlights, taillights and other misc. lights would stay on. Only the starter would refuse to "try" to start the car. I've never experienced this in any other car.
I removed the battery from the car to eliminate all loads and charged it. The open circuit voltage was about 10.5 volts before charging. The battery charged in less than an hour with only a small 5 amp charger. This told me that the battery had no capacity left as it should have taken roughly 10 hours to charge a good 55 amp-hour battery with a 5 amp charger. I popped in a new battery and all is good again.
This may not be your problem but I hope this information helps somewhat.
Of course, if your battery is good and charged then I'd suspect the starter solenoid next.
I removed the battery from the car to eliminate all loads and charged it. The open circuit voltage was about 10.5 volts before charging. The battery charged in less than an hour with only a small 5 amp charger. This told me that the battery had no capacity left as it should have taken roughly 10 hours to charge a good 55 amp-hour battery with a 5 amp charger. I popped in a new battery and all is good again.
This may not be your problem but I hope this information helps somewhat.
Of course, if your battery is good and charged then I'd suspect the starter solenoid next.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 416
From: Texas
If he still has the original battery, it ought to go down into the record book. It is rare that batteries even reach 5 years life, let alone 9, especially on an electronic, electrical intensive car like the SC430.
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 10
From: NM
mine made it 8 years. the lack of winter in vegas probably helped.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
crazy...mine in my 02 lasted three years...my 05 already has a new one and it was born in San Diego and lived there for the past five years---PERFECT weather.
I guess how often you drive really does help the car and the temperature. Ideally, warmer climates and daily drivers would last the longest over cold climates with garage queens.
I guess how often you drive really does help the car and the temperature. Ideally, warmer climates and daily drivers would last the longest over cold climates with garage queens.
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