View Full Version : Car won't start
Last week, my wife informed me that the car wouldn't start. It wouldn't even turn over and no power worked at all (e.g. the power locks didn't work). I am due for a new battery, so I tried that first. I got a new battery, and still, nothing. No power at all.
I had AAA come to tow it and they decided to jump start it to see what happened. It started, and I figured I just had a defective battery. However, after driving it for a while, it started doing weird things. The ABS and ASC lights came on, the radio stopped working. All interior and exterior lights were flickering.
I dropped it at the shop. I have no clue what could be wrong with it. Any ideas here?
:(
Just talked to mechanic. He said it was probably either the alternator or some sort of master fuse (I forget exactly what he called it) that usually only breaks in a bad accident. Doesn't sound so bad...
Just talked to mechanic. He said it was probably either the alternator or some sort of master fuse (I forget exactly what he called it) that usually only breaks in a bad accident. Doesn't sound so bad...
Shouldn't be too bad.
kognito
02-02-2009, 10:07 AM
If the master link (fuse) went, I don't think it would have jump started (unless it is a connection problem at the master link)
IMHO there is nothing worse to troubleshoot than electrical issues
Optimus Prime
02-02-2009, 10:34 AM
IMHO there is nothing worse to troubleshoot than electrical issues
+1
rumatt
02-02-2009, 02:32 PM
update?
lupinsea
02-03-2009, 04:58 PM
If the master link (fuse) went, I don't think it would have jump started (unless it is a connection problem at the master link)
IMHO there is nothing worse to troubleshoot than electrical issues
Yeah.
I remember the time my Jeep had a problem and died on me. One of the guys in our club hooked up a $5000 Snap-on diagnostic computer but we couldn't figure out the problem still. So I figured to take it into the dealership and have the Jeep techs work it over.
It was in for a full week and had 2-3 techs working on it at a time. They replaced the computer, tore apart the dash, tore out the center console and went through each area system by system. As I was told this over the phone I kept seeing big dollar signs piling up.
In the end it turns out I hadn't secured part of the wiring harness during my transfercase installation and it had fallen, gotten pinched, and shorted the fuel pump circuit (which REALLY confused the computer so it just shut down).
In the end I only paid $100 for diagnostic and $300 for R&R to pull the bottom skid and splice in a $0.50 piece of wire. Given all the time I felt VERY fortunate to get out of there for only $400.
Sort of felt like doing this, a lot: :banghead:
.
The battery contacts on the car side were corroded. I had thought of that, but never did anything about it.
Both rear brake calipers being rebuilt, too. WTF is it with his car and calipers? As of this afternoon, each caliper has now been replaced TWICE in the past 6 years.
I picked up the car last night. It is nice having a trustworthy, competent independent mechanic. He told me earlier in the day that his vendor sent him the wrong side caliper for the car and I might not be able to get it until today. Thankfully, he was able to have someone from Turner drive one down yesterday afternoon. I needed the car last night, so it was very helpful. If any Boston people need a recommendation on an independent shop, let me know.
Cool. Glad everything is ok now. Sounds like a good guy to know.
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