Car won't start

[Daze]

It's happened a few times, although it always ends up starting. But tonight it won't start at all. It was turning over trying to start but just couldn't quite get there, then after a few tries it wasn't even turning over, just nothing at all when I was turning the keys. The battery light is on on the dash, but I tried jump starting the car with my dad's car and there was just nothing, not trying to turn over or anything.

Any ideas?

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

How long did you leave it with your Dad's car connected ?

 

[Daze]

How long did you leave it with your Dad's car connected ?

Just a minute or two.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

I would suggest leaving it a few more minutes, as it's bloody cold (meaning more amps needed) and your battery sounds KO'd.

Failing that, just go buy a new battery... If it solves your problem, great. If not, you've got a new battery which assuming your current one isnt a week old isn't going to be a bad thing.

Failing THAT, check for faulty earths, broken wires, alternator could be kaput, starter sounds ok but could be duff...

Good luck.

 

[Daze]

I would suggest leaving it a few more minutes, as it's bloody cold (meaning more amps needed) and your battery sounds KO'd.

Failing that, just go buy a new battery... If it solves your problem, great. If not, you've got a new battery which assuming your current one isnt a week old isn't going to be a bad thing.

Failing THAT, check for faulty earths, broken wires, alternator could be kaput, starter sounds ok but could be duff...

Good luck.

I had been driving the car for about an hour before, but stopped at the shop quickly then it wouldn't start back up again.

 

[Jon.G]

Alternator could be on its way out then.

 

[andywa]

Or it could be the TDC sensor! I had a stage where mine wouldn't start. Made all the right noises but just wouldn't fire. All I did was take the sensor out give it a clean and also cleaned the connector up with WD40. Jobs a good un. Apparently it's not a permanent fix bit it'll do for now. It's a very common problem. So common in fact that there is an upgraded part now available.

 

[Daze]

Just got it started and home. I put the jump leads back on connected with my dad's car only left it for about 10 minutes this time. Drove it home (the shop is about half a mile away) with the lights etc on, parked it up turned it off and started it a couple of times no problems.

Any final diagnosis as to what's wrong with it then? I'm not sure whether I should take it to school or not tomorrow as I don't fancy getting stranded there.

 

[-J-]

Shagged battery I would suggest

 

[Daze]

Yeah I think I'm going to try everything, TDC sensor, alternator and buy a new battery, to try and get it squared away for good.

 

[jimmyuk86]

Get a battery charger, take the battery out, give it a charge till its fully charged..prob take about 2-3 hours max from empty. JOB DONE. If problem persists then get a new battery. Not worth getting new one if all that is needed is a top up.