Puzzling Starting Problem
#1
Puzzling Starting Problem
Every time I try to start my Bonnie it acts like the battery is dead--no crank at all. The voltage gauge reads almost at the bottom. However, all electrical components seem to function normally--all gauges work, I can hear the fuel pump, the headlights come on at full brightness, etc. The car can be jumpstarted easily and runs perfectly, but then will not start again without another jump.
Battery and alternator have been tested and are fine.
The most obvious suspect is battery cable corrosion, but I'm wondering if that would cause the voltage gauge to read so low while most of the electrical system functions so well.
Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Battery and alternator have been tested and are fine.
The most obvious suspect is battery cable corrosion, but I'm wondering if that would cause the voltage gauge to read so low while most of the electrical system functions so well.
Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.
#2
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
It'* either your battery cables or your starter. Since you can start the car easily with a jump, I'm guessing the battery cable.
It doesn't sound too puzzling. Granted, the volt gauge isn't very accurate, but your symptoms are in line with corroded cables.
Disconnect (safely) both ends of the starter and ground cables, and shine all the ends up nicely. Reconnect and retry. If you still have issues, it may be time for new cables.
If new cables don't solve the problem, then have the starter tested.
It doesn't sound too puzzling. Granted, the volt gauge isn't very accurate, but your symptoms are in line with corroded cables.
Disconnect (safely) both ends of the starter and ground cables, and shine all the ends up nicely. Reconnect and retry. If you still have issues, it may be time for new cables.
If new cables don't solve the problem, then have the starter tested.
#4
Thanks. I'll probably just go ahead and change the cables, since (as I understand it) corrosion at the ends often means corrosion inside.
And thanks for the welcome. The car is devoping increasing issues with age (as am I) so I'm sure I'll be back.
And thanks for the welcome. The car is devoping increasing issues with age (as am I) so I'm sure I'll be back.
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jaye22
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04-14-2017 07:10 PM