Car won't start - need help

[ryyeung]

I have a 1991 Toyota Tercel Auto with 130000kms. I just recently changed the battery not more than 6 months ago. Now the car won't start.

When I turn the key, I just hear a clicking sound. I try the headlight and they are still bright, and radio works too. The car is garaged and the weather is warm. When it was boosted, it worked right away, and we drove around 20 kms to charge it. However, the next morning, the car still did not start.

Can someone help me with the problem?

[dassub]

When's the last time you changed the plugs? Maybe an alternator problem if the battery is having a hard time holding a charge.

[victory01]

and have a similar problem and cant find the answer.

i got a battery and alternator recently but still need to boost the car to start it. and after a while of driving it seems to be giving out.

i hear tapping on something under the hood can fix this. starter or alternator?

i duno.

any suggestions?

[DragonZealot]

Take the battery back to the shop they will analyse if it is holding charge. If the battery is not holding charge they will give you a free replacement since it is only 6 months.

[victory01]

Take the battery back to the shop they will analyse if it is holding charge. If the battery is not holding charge they will give you a free replacement since it is only 6 months.

i got a new alternator at my mechanic and he threw in a used battery cuz mine was drained from driving with no alt.

i thought the alt would fix the prob but still...nothing happens wen i turn the key. when i boost it the car runs fine bun im constantly worried that its gona die on me.

[DragonZealot]

Take the battery to a shop they will analyse the battery for you free of charge.

[JohnMacdonald1998]

battery for sure!!

[rfdrfd]

In the meantime, I'd suggest buy a battery booster pack from Cdn Tire for $40-50 bucks.

So you won't need to rely on anyone if you ever get stuck again. Also helps during winters as well.

[mystery]

In the meantime, I'd suggest buy a battery booster pack from Cdn Tire for $40-50 bucks.

So you won't need to rely on anyone if you ever get stuck again. Also helps during winters as well.

+1

I have one of these (good ones are around $60 - $70 on sale), and it's great not to rely on strangers to help you out, who may turn out trying to take advantage of you or something.

[akide]

my dad's car just had that happen..
go get a good set of booster cables and give it a boost..

those free sets of booster cables u get in kits might not cut it..

[bembol]

Did you check the Fuse box? Check all the Wiring? What's the reading on the Volt Meter?


Charging Systems are the worst to have and expensive! I had this problem and after a number of shops, Acura dealerships...at the end my cousin and I solve the problem.

Good luck!

[Atomic Chip]

it's great not to rely on strangers to help you out, who may turn out trying to take advantage of you or something.

Unlikely (I know, there are always crazy exceptions, but most people are pretty honest). But it is nice to be independent, and not to be in a position of having to ask strangers for assistance. And sometimes no one else is around (late at night, etc.) ... one less thing to worry about.

[Cough]

Since all information so far is not very helpful, here are a few things to check


1) Do the headlights stay bright while you are in the process of turning the key. If not then try tightening your battery terminals. My bet is that this is your problem.

2) Check the starter solenoid. If you can find this, sometimes a rap will free it. Check the action of the solenoid with a voltmeter (check for input voltage and output voltage

3) If the car is manual, try and rock the starter motor by putting car in gear (3 or 4) and push it a foot or so, (this only if starter is jammed on flywheel) Oops I see yours is auto.

[CompWizrd]

In the meantime, I'd suggest buy a battery booster pack from Cdn Tire for $40-50 bucks.

So you won't need to rely on anyone if you ever get stuck again. Also helps during winters as well.

These are great for helping other people out too, they're more idiot proof than jumping from your own car, and no worries about cable length and location.

I use one of them with an inverter when I'm camping, they last a day or two on a low load.

[TurboRegal]

99% chance it's the battery if that's happening

http://www3.telus.net/chemelec/Projects/Alternator/Alternator.htm

Take the battery back for a return if that's the problem.
It's not a starter problem if boosting it helps right away.
It may be something draining the battery, lights left on etc, but if it hasn't happened chronically, I'd put my bet on battery.

[001Stunna]

Try and start your can in neutral(N) instead of Park(P).
I had the same problem as you 2 months ago and it turned out to be a switch that had gone bad.
If it wont start in neutral either check your starter, alternator, battery...