HELP! not sure what this is!

A

Allforspeed

New Member

Oct 25, 2004

264

0

0

Dec 9, 2005

#1

• Dec 9, 2005

• #1

you guys have helped me before and i'm in need again.

my car was driving fine, i turned it off for a second, then turned it back on and it would sort of crank over slowly and made some strange clicking noises but wont start. I noticed both the positive and negative battery cables were definately too hot but the alternator was cool. the grounds are all good btw.

did my battery just die? its been on its last leg for awhile now. i'm broke as a joke right now and cant really do the trial and error method


any help is appreciated!

 

P

PRO50SC

New Member

Dec 28, 2003

1,012

1

0

Olney, Maryland

Dec 9, 2005

#2

• Dec 9, 2005

• #2

Battery/connection problem. Possible solenoid or starter problem. Should jump it and have it checked out.

 

A

Allforspeed

New Member

Oct 25, 2004

264

0

0

Dec 9, 2005

#3

• Dec 9, 2005

• #3

thats what i thought initially also, but all the connections are good, i just checked em all, is there a way i can check the starter/solenoid without buying a new one? could the battery be screwed up inside and cause this issue?

thanks!

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Dec 9, 2005

#4

• Dec 9, 2005

• #4

If it does not have enough juice to even crank over hard, the solenoid cant be tested reliably. Once the battery and cables are known to be good, one can test the solenoid.

I would actually remove the connections and clean them and tighten them back up. Corrosion is a funny little bugger - it is hard to see.

Hot cables mean insufficiency or bad connections.

You can take the battery to the parts store for a bench test (free in most parts). Your static battery voltage should be 12.6 volts.

Good luck.

 

A

Allforspeed

New Member

Oct 25, 2004

264

0

0

Dec 9, 2005

#5

• Dec 9, 2005

• #5

cool HISSIN, you rule! you have helped me out more than a few times cheers. i will test the battery, weird thing is i just went out there and it started fine i almost wish it was just broken so i could troubleshoot it! i'll test the solenoid and stuff but i hate electrical bugs

thanks!

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Dec 9, 2005

#6

• Dec 9, 2005

• #6

The cables might be insufficient for the needed amperage, and once they cooled down, they were able to flow enough juice again.

Growing up in Alaska and Seattle, we had our share of primary electrical system issues. I now add extra grounds and upgrade power cables on the cars when it is time - we know the stock stuff was barely adequate when new. Toss cold weather, IR, corrosion, etc in the mix and all bets are off.

Good luck.

 

gwhiz50

Founding Member

Nov 11, 1998

95

0

0

San Antonio, TX/Retire in Colorado Springs, Co

Dec 9, 2005

#7

• Dec 9, 2005

• #7

Sounds like the battery to me!

 

Black1987Stang

Active Member

Aug 22, 2004

1,422

0

37

Jersey Shore

Dec 9, 2005

#8

• Dec 9, 2005

• #8

same here mine did that, replaced the battery and starts right up