car wont start

[.::DuD3::. 10+ year member]

ok heres the situation. i used the car earlier today. it started a little funky once earlier, but the other 7 or 8 times i started it, it started fine. but when i go to leave for work, it wouldn't start. i checked the battery terminals because they have given me trouble in the past. usually if i just try and loosen up the terminals and tighten them back up, itll power right up. the power side is completely messed up now though, its corroded really bad. i tried cleaning it off, but i still didn't get anything. now the radio and all the accessories will power up which is leading me to believe its not the battery terminals. im at work now, but im going to change that positive terminal later. you think that will solve the problem?

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[davesexplorer 10+ year member]

dump a lil soda on the terminal to get that stuff off, assuming it's what I think it is, then retry.

or could be something starter/ignition related, hard to tell.

 

[Railrocker 10+ year member]

When you try to start it, is it just clicking or is the starter turning over or is it just doing nothing?

 

[Railrocker 10+ year member]

If its not clicking and you have power in the car its the selenoid (sp?)

If its clicking but the starter isnt cranking then its the starter. Try banging on it with a hammer (lightly) or if its loose hold it in tight while trying to start it could have one more start left in it to get it to the parts store or mechanic.

 

[.::DuD3::. 10+ year member]

i just get nothing. i have some of that battery terminal spray to clean off all the corrosion, but i still got nothing. im thinking it might be the starter, but it was working just 1 hour before. but when i turn the key, my radio and dash lights light up, thats why im thinking its not the battery terminal. what are sypmtoms of a bad starter, just getting nothing? lol

 

[.::DuD3::. 10+ year member]

If its not clicking and you have power in the car its the selenoid (sp?)
If its clicking but the starter isnt cranking then its the starter. Try banging on it with a hammer (lightly) or if its loose hold it in tight while trying to start it could have one more start left in it to get it to the parts store or mechanic.

so you think its my starter? i mean i have power, its just not turning over. also, how much do starters run and are they hard to put on?

 

[.::DuD3::. 10+ year member]

edit, nevermind it was the postive battery terminal.

 

[mtlhead 10+ year member]

had the same problem, kept doing it though. it ended up that the battery had a dead cell, and a new one fixed it just fine...and get some terminal protectant...it works wonders

 

[.::DuD3::. 10+ year member]

had the same problem, kept doing it though. it ended up that the battery had a dead cell, and a new one fixed it just fine...and get some terminal protectant...it works wonders

yeah i need to get a new battery. the posts were really messed up though. im just glad im not gonna have to replace the starter lol.