Battery�? Alternator? Something Else?

[skylerwaite]

My car has been having trouble starting the last few days. The other day when I tried to start it up after about two days of sitting, I had to jump it. I then drove down to the gas station to make sure everything was ok and got a drink inside. When I came back out to start it up it almost didn't start, but it did. I get home and turn it off, wait about 10 seconds and try to turn it back on again. Click. Scheiss. Since there's not much to do I just go inside and wait till morning. The next day when I come out and try to start it up it clicks several times and when I give it some gas and that seems to be the trick to getting it fired up (although it could be it just wants to start up at about the same time I do this). There is also this "Green Eye" on the top of the battery that supposedly lets you know when your battery is charged or not, and according to that, it is. I need some suggestions.

Another problem is my sunroof, the thread is on the first page of threads still and no one has replied. If anyone knows anything about that either I would greatly appreciate it.

[sven77]

My car has been having trouble starting the last few days. The other day when I tried to start it up after about two days of sitting, I had to jump it. I then drove down to the gas station to make sure everything was ok and got a drink inside. When I came back out to start it up it almost didn't start, but it did. I get home and turn it off, wait about 10 seconds and try to turn it back on again. Click. Scheiss. Since there's not much to do I just go inside and wait till morning. The next day when I come out and try to start it up it clicks several times and when I give it some gas and that seems to be the trick to getting it fired up (although it could be it just wants to start up at about the same time I do this). There is also this "Green Eye" on the top of the battery that supposedly lets you know when your battery is charged or not, and according to that, it is. I need some suggestions.

Well the fact that the green eye is green makes me think the battery might be OK. I think a good way to test it though would be for you to turn on your headlights and have them shining so you can see them (like in a garage) and try starting the car. If the headlights go very dim, you probably have a battery issue. Ah, on second thought, the problem might also be related to the battery cables needing to be cleaned.

Giving it gas had nothing to do with the electic starter motor cranking the engine; it was a coincidence. The clicking is most likely the sound of your starter relay. It "flips the big switch" for the high current that is needed for the starter to rotate or crank the engine.

In any case, you can probably just bring your car to any local Sears automotive or any other shop that sells batteries. They can test your battery and check the connections. They can also sell you a new battery and install it for a small charge.

-Sven77

[2001T5]

Well stated. Check your terminals, and clean if they need it. If it's not them, it's your battery. Don't always rely on that little green indicator. In fact I had someone come in the other night with a bad battery that had a green indicator. If you're on the east coast, head to a local Advance Auto or Auto Zone. They can test/install for free.

[smokin' T5M]

Also check for a draw. Make sure that the glove box door is closing all the way and make sure the sunvisors have broken at the hinges and have the lights on. Auto Zone or Sears should be able to figure it out easy, but these are some steps you can do yourself if you have a Voltmeter. Home Depot sells them cheap