A few weeks ago my car didn't want to start when I came out of work, and today the same issue happened. Since I kind of knew what to expect today, I was a little more on my toes about the situation, so I can describe it better. Both incidents were the exact same way.

I go to start my car and it clicks once. I try again, click.

I look at the volt meter with the key turned as far as it goes without starting the car, 12v...perfectly normal.

I try again, it turns over, but the RPMs are so low that it dies after about 1.5-2 seconds. I let it sit with the key turned as far as it goes without starting the car for about 4-5 seconds, then try again. It starts up perfectly fine, no sputtering.

My radio stations were all lost.

Both of these incidents are exactly the same as I described. The first time was about 3 weeks ago. I checked my battery connections last time it happened and they were fine. The only thing I can think is that the I replaced my dome lights around noon of the first time it happened (it happened about 11:15 PM both times. I know the dome lights weren't on or anything, either times.

The only other similarity is that the day starting off at ~95 degrees and then it rained heavily for a few hours just before I tried to start my car.

 

I would probably say it's your battery but to be fully sure take it to your nearest auto parts store and ask them to do a electrical systems test. It will test the battery the alt and the starter. It will also tell them if something is drawing off the battery while they do it.

 

Okay thanks! I only thought they had the testing units for check engine lights.

I guess tomorrow i'll clean off the connections real good and then take it down there and see what they say.

 

1. Remove battery cables and clean them AND the battery posts until shiny. Connections are often overlooked and they don't need to be full of corrosion to give you an issue.

2. Have your battery LOAD TESTED at any parts store for free

3. What does the voltage gauge read when the engine is running? Target is around 13.5 to 14.0 volts with a healthy battery and charging system. You can easily verify this as well directly at the battery with the engine running with any multimeter.

 

Factory radio?

Test the battery with a load. If it drops below 9 volts then it wont let the alternator turn on.

 

Nope, aftermarket deck, but it's been in for about a year and a half now

The volt meter reads 14 when the car is turned on, and 12 with the car off, but the key in the ignition.

 

Radio presets could have a loose yellow "memory wire", its suppose to be constant 12 volts all the time.

 

Idk...I haven't shifted the wires or stereo since I installed em December 09.

I don't think I understand exactly what you're saying. It's a 12v battery, so it should constantly be putting out at least 12v, correct? With the car running it's 14v, and dips with the use of more **** (A/C, radio, etc)

I just hit up my dad and he said he has a battery load tester so I guess i'll be testing it tomorrow

 

Go to a parts store and ask them to check your battery and alternator. Had this issue about 6 years ago because it was a bad plate in my battery. They checked the alternator just to be sure too.

 

Did you have to buy a new battery? frick why don't i save receipts?

 

Yes, I did. The plate was bad and therefore the battery was shot. I had it under warranty from Car Quest, but their batteries suck so I just bought a Die Hard. Ive ALWAYS used Die Hard, but being in far Northern Maine with only a Car Quest near, when my old Die Hard went I basically had to get the Car Quest brand. About a year later it went and I was visiting some relatives in the "city" so I took it to VIP or somewhere, cant remember, and they checked the battery and alternator for free, then I bought a new Die Hard. Still running it today with no issues.

 

Great, I guess i'll post back when I get an update. It sucks because this battery is like a year old...and I was just about to buy my lift and tires -____-

 

Anything can go at any time, especially if you get lesser quality parts. Dont cheap out if you can avoid it. Sometimes trying to save $30 or $40 bucks up front will come back to bite you BAD in the end.

 

Yeah but batteries aren't something I would expect to have a big difference between brands.

 

<Optima 209 dollar battery after a online advance auto discount turned into 149