i don't know if this is the right place to start this, but my car is having problems starting. it's as if the battery is completely dead, but i just changed the battery like 1 yr ago. when i open my door, the door light on the dashboard that says a door is open doesn't turn on, and when i put the key in to start, absolutely nothing happens. it happend a week ago, and i left it alone for like 20 min and then it started again, and now it happend again, it's been 45 min and it's still not starting. i put the key in, and tried to turn the car on but nothing. it's not even making a clicking noise or anything. what's wrong? i don't know anything about cars btw lol
JCP
09-10-2009, 08:40 PM
That sounds like electrical. Hope you have an idea by now.
draxcaliber
09-10-2009, 08:41 PM
first off, give the model year and mileage, and any modifications that have been done to it. also, manual or automatic.
so you say you open the door and the dashboard lights up, when you turn the key in the ignition, do the warning lights and such come on at all? it could be that the starter motor is dead, or that the alternator isn't recharging the battery enough to start the car, but usually that would make the clicking noise when you try to start.
Hix
09-10-2009, 08:44 PM
Check your grounds!
Your car needs 3 things to start; Air, fuel, and spark. Find out what is there then you can work on whats not there.
otacon88
09-10-2009, 08:44 PM
first off, give the model year and mileage, and any modifications that have been done to it. also, manual or automatic.
so you say you open the door and the dashboard lights up, when you turn the key in the ignition, do the warning lights and such come on at all? it could be that the starter motor is dead, or that the alternator isn't recharging the battery enough to start the car, but usually that would make the clicking noise when you try to start.
the dashboard lights DO NOT light up. nothing turns on...its as if the battery is dead but i doubt it bc i just changed it a year ago.
i have a 2005 scion tc. 48,000 miles. automatic.
otacon88
09-10-2009, 08:45 PM
Check your grounds!
Your car needs 3 things to start; Air, fuel, and spark. Find out what is there then you can work on whats not there.
how do i check grounds?
Hix
09-10-2009, 08:47 PM
how do i check grounds?
Wiring diagram stickied on the interior page. Make sure your battery is hooked up right and make sure any black wire is connected. Tug on a wire or two (lightly) they should not move if they are grounds. Really if you don't know that much about cars you shouldn't mess with it. It could also be something as simple as a bad starter but you should get lights atleast.
Do you have a DMM? Or a Voltmeter?
AC
09-11-2009, 12:32 AM
check the battery cables and battery first. Maybe a loose cable or dead battery. I know you said it's new but maybe you had a parasitic draw. Have you tried jump starting it?
CSUnited14
09-11-2009, 02:13 AM
can you jump start our cars.. i know some you cant it will destroy the electrical
charlie07tc
09-11-2009, 02:16 AM
try removing and cleaning the battery terminals and the posts on the battery with a wire brush, the make one for battery cleaning, you can pick one up at a parts store.
draxcaliber
09-11-2009, 02:17 AM
you should be able to jump start any car really.
sw09
09-11-2009, 11:37 PM
try jumping the car, maybe u left something on? then check the battery connections. if possible go to a shop and get the alternator and battery tested. (i know snap-on makes a tool to test that) you said you changed a battery a year ago, but if you alternator is not charging, the car is running off battery life therefore decreasing the life of it