I need Car Junkies (folks who know how to tinker with a car a bit) - Nothing Major I hope

Ok here it is:
Back in winter (earlier this year) Jim’s car was freaking out. It would or wouldn’t start. Finally it just didn’t start at all. No click of the starter nothing. But the battery was fine. So I had it towed in under warrantee.

3 weeks later and a LOT of angry words from me, we got the car back. Nothing at ALL was fixed. They said the alarm was the cause of our shortage. They couldn’t disconnect it (so they said). I argued how can you know if you had never disconnected it to find out? Anyway got the car back with a disconnected alarm. It ran but STILL had problems. Radio would reset, etc. Found out the battery wires were just laying on top of their posts!!!

Now this morning after months of nothing. I had decided to finally replace the windshield this week (Tuesday) because the lease is up in Oct. Inspection is due in July so it had to be done. Get in the car go to start it………………

nothing just rapid clicks.

I am so very angry!

I can’t afford to fix this monster. AND it’s not under warranty anymore! Anyone have this happen or know of a cheap place I can get a quick fix? I’m not looking for long haul for keeps stuff. This POS only has to last until Oct 15th.

Re: I need Car Junkies (folks who know how to tinker with a car a bit) - Nothing Major I hope

The starter clicking and radio resetting generally mean its something in your charging system.

It could be a number of things but lets get to the most common gremlins:

1) Alternator. The alternator is what recharges your battery while your car is driving. If your alternator goes bad, anything electric in your car is running solely on whatever charge is in your battery. Eventually, like a flashlight that was left on, your battery will die. Next time you try and start the car...."click click".

2) Battery. Older batteries (anything more then a few years old, but they can go bad faster) sometimes don't like to hold a charge. When your car is turned off, the charge they do have is weak enough to where you will lose your radio presets and not enough power is left to turn the starter when you want to get your car started.

A benchtest (done at your dealer or a local auto parts store) can determine if your battery or alternator are bad.

Lastly, it very well could be a short somewhere in the system that is putting a constant drain on your battery. Shorted out wires could (but shouldn't if they are properly fused) be the cause...but I'd check out the first two items I mentioned.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask. I am a typical "car guy". ;)

Good luck.

Message edited 7/9/2004 7:03:52 PM.

Re: I need Car Junkies (folks who know how to tinker with a car a bit) - Nothing Major I hope

What city are you located in? A place I used to bring my vehicles to (when I couldn't fix them myself) was Alpha Omega on Jericho Twpk in East Northport.

They do a good job and generally have low prices for the job.

Re: I need Car Junkies (folks who know how to tinker with a car a bit) - Nothing Major I hope

Sounds a lot like it's the alternator to me. Also, check the serpentine belt.