HELP!!! Car just died WTF could cause this??

[DaveB]

Well I dont know what to do or what could cause it, but my car just died. I was going to start it, primed the fuel pump as I always do, went to start it, the there was nothing. Nothing at all. No door chime, no lights, no horn. We got my friend with his S-10 eXtreme and tried to jump it, but it didn't do a thing. You could just barely here the starter click, but I didn't even hear that, my friend did. And 20 minutes before, the car started up and drove fine. Does anyone have any clue what could cause it? The battery connections are fine. This couldn't have possibly come at a worse time either.


If anyone has any ideas please say them.

 

[OrangeMustangGt]

check the large wire connector on the passenger side of the engine compartment, back twords the windshield, its black, round and big. Also, hit the starter with a hammer a few times, and double check if you are even getting power down to the solinoid.

 

[DaveB]

Ill check out the wire. There really isnt any power at all, the windows dont work at all. Ditto for the power locks. It sucks I have my driver's side window open enough to easily get your hand in there .

 

[grrrrrrr]

it's a bad ground somewhere. Check your battery cables to make sure there isn't too much crud on them at the terminal and make sure they aren't broken. It can appear to be making contact but the if the patch isn't big enough to handle the amps, you get zilch... also check the grounds on your block especially if you just pulled your motor out or did some major work, could have forgotten to attach and or tighten something down. Good luck.

 

[DaveB]

I havent done any engine work in almost a year . Where are the grounds connected to the block? Any other grounds I should look at?

 

[grrrrrrr]

On the front of the block near the oil pan there will be a heavy gauge wire with a hole in a copper crimp for the screw. I believe the wire runs to your chassis but I don't remember. You will prolly have to be under the car to see it. It most likely has a bunch of oil and gunk on it. I think the problem is your battery connections though. The little bolt that pulls the connector tight could have broken causing a bad connection, your terminals could be corroded (use coke and a toothbrush if all else fails). Your copper connector could have a crack in it, thats what happend to me. 5 bucks gets you a new one from autozone. It's most likely something simple. Start at the battery and I think you'll find it. Is it an intermittent problem (does it come and go without warning)? How long did you attemp to charge the battery before starting the car? If a battery is completely dead you usually can't turn the engine over before letting it charge for a few minutes... let me know if this helps...

 

[grrrrrrr]

I take it back, I don't think the ground on your block would cause this problem... just check your battery connections...

 

[DaveB]

Well guys I got my car running . After I cleaned the terminals on the wire side that connects to the battery it started right up. But now the battery light is, but it charges fine . Anyone have any ideas?

 

[grrrrrrr]

I think most of the auto shops (autozone, pep boys etc.) test batteries for free... might want to make sure it's a good battery...