Thread: Ugh, car won't start....

So, never had an electrical problem with this car for three years now.

Tonight I went to start the car, and when the key is in acc the buzzer makes an even worse noise then it does when working properly, the clock light is dim and flickering like crazy, my voltmeter reads below 8volts (as low as it reads) and if I try to crank the car the starter won't even kick over.

I checked all the fuses, as well as poped the hood, shock every wire, and checked my battery connections.

The weirdest thing is, it comes and goes. After it wouldn't start for 10minutes I went to try the ignition and the car started and idled for 5 minutes normally. However after turning the car off and trying it again it was back to all the lights flickering and nothing operating. It also reset my clock for what that is worth.

Please let me know if you have any advice. I haven't had the time to diagnose yet really, as it is late and no light. My mind is racing over what it could be. And how to go about finding this. It seems to be pretty clear something is shorting? Whatever it is it is drawing a hell of allot of current and only when the ignition is on.

Thanks guys.

Dudeman

I know you said you checked your battery connections, but did you check the posts/insides of terminals? When they get even a bit corroded or just coated, it causes problems exactly like that. Try pulling them off scraping all that off inside and out with a wire brush. Quick and easy.

Better yet, use water + baking soda for cleaner.

My terminals are clean, I clean them often and use dielectric grease.

I just went out and tried again, i am getting the same response however now my lights won't turn on, before they did.

If I push my hazard light button the dash makes a loud buzzing noise, like a meat grinder.

I guess tomorrow I will try pulling fuses and seeing if it makes it go away, hopefully that is the best way to begin chasing the problem.

Dudeman

The ground wire is not good.

Get a new ground wire, I see this problem alot on older cars or cars from up North.

Well once again my ignorance proves to be my demise.

After Dre's suggestion I inspected my ground cable, which was completely rusted and frayed where it connects to the block. I broke it off with a few easy bends and a twist. Replaced with a junkyard piece that looked to be in good shape.

I also decided to pull off my positive terminal and inspect the surfaces...sure enough despite my application of arc grease and a thorough cleaning there was some buildup evident.

Car has been running great for the past 48hours.

Thanks as always fellas, I was pretty discouraged, turned out to be simple as hell.

Maybe this will help someone down the road.

Dudeman

Engine/chassis ground strikes again!