Haven't had any issues for a while but i'm stuck and could use some help.

I've got a click no start. For a couple weeks prior, my battery light was popping on while i was driving and lights/radio/etc. were dimmed. I didn't address it (like a fool) and now it's not starting at all.

Turning the key gets me: a battery light, a single click from the engine compartment, and a series of clicks in the dash to the left of the steering wheel (if i keep the key in the starting position). No CEL codes (maybe because the car won't actually start?).

Battery is good, I replaced the starter about a month ago and replaced the alternator yesterday (hopes dashed when this turned out NOT to be the problem). I've had a slow oil leak for a long time which i just top off with oil periodically. I thought i may have let it run too low and royally f-ed the engine but i can still get it the crank bolt to turn so i think that's not a concern (am i right?).

Any ideas where to go from here? I'm hoping it's not a wiring or fuel pump issue because those seem like mothers to fix. Appreciate all help.

 

Verify battery voltage is ~12.4Volts
Verify battery connections are clean and tight.
Verify none of the battery cables are corroded/loose.
Verify there is no damage to the wire harness from the alternator.

 

I would check your battery with a volt meter like he said above. 12.4-12.6 volts it should be. Try having someone jump your car to see if it starts. Check your connections-alternator if you get it running and I had a problem like this I replaced the whole distributor itself and that fixed it. Is your alternator belt properly tensioned? Alternator new or reman? Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key right before starting? I would check all connections, have your battery tested, have someone try jumping you, read the CEL codes and then check your main relay-distributor.

It sounds to me like your battery voltage is to low and can't start the car I would just take the battery out and go get it tested its worth ruling that out first.

 

Thank you both. I tested the battery with a multimeter and got a reading of 12. something. BUT. When i tested it i got sparking/fizzling noises which very much did not seem right. Would a messed up battery cause that to happen?

The cables look okay... but they are a bit on the old side so maybe replacing them is an option. How hard do yall rate that?

 

Changing the terminals easy and cheap if you have a wire brush, wire cutters and some tools. What 12 something was it? Anything like 12-12.3 is somewhat low did you have the meter on the right setting? I would just pull it out to get it tested to rule the battery out for sure. Try this. Turn the key right before where the car starts and see what the meter says then on the battery.

 

Well, i pulled the battery out, got it tested, and it's bad. I'm really hoping there was some interplay between the f-ed up battery and the alt i just replaced... if only so i didn't replace the alt for nothing

When i tested the battery (set at 20V reading), it gave me a decent reading (12.5ish). It also gave the dude at the auto shop a decent reading on V initially but was only at 45% and turned out to be bad after they attempted to charge it.

This is where i learn the lesson that YOU ALWAYS TRY THE SIMPLE **** FIRST. Even if it doesn't seem most likely. Thanks yall.

 

Definitely - batteries can show a good charge, but when you put a load on them, they will fail. It's best to have it tested by a battery tester - usually your local parts store will have a tester.

 

Glad to hear I could help! And that it was just the battery :D. Yes definitely simple things first when troubleshooting can save you a bit of money in the long run. Now you should have a pretty good charging system with your new alternator+battery.

 

Another good idea is to thoroughly clean the inside clamp of the battery wires. Then add some dielectric grease of some other type of corrosion prevention. Then outback together

 

Make sure the negative battery cable has a clean connection to the chassis.