Tell me if this sounds like the car battery

[XemaSab]

For the last couple weeks I've been having some issues.

So I'll get in the car and turn the key and I can hear a click from the engine, but there's JUST NOTHING as far as cranking goes. Occasionally the car will sound like it's trying to start, but it won't engage. And sometimes it will just start right up with no cranking involved.

I've never NOT gotten it to start, but sometimes it takes 5 or 6 tries before it gets going. It seems to be at its worst first thing in the morning (I live in California, so it's not like, frozen).

I've had problems with the starter for YEARS, and I also once had a problem with the fuel line after it had been sitting for a week.

But the thing that makes me think it's a battery problem is that when I open the hood the battery is covered with crapola and looks like hell. I have no idea when the last time was that the battery was replaced.

How do I clean the battery and connections off? And if I have to get a new battery, how much will that run me? :scared:

If it's not the battery, what else could it be? :shrug: :scared:

[TZ]

1. alternator?

Any of the warning lights come on? I just had the alternator replaced in my car after the battery light came on while driving...

[Gidney N Cloyd]

7. I'd also guess alternator since the symptoms vary.

Try cleaning all contacts around the battery terminals and the alternator. Wire brush and some diet coke.

If the battery was dying it wouldn't just start right up some days.

[skygazer]

2. Kragen's will test your battery for free, I believe

Which is a good place to start. They could probably tell you the best way to clean it, too. But with the clicking, I'd think starter though I'm no mechanic. :shrug:

[XemaSab]

4. I was thinking the clicking WAS the sound of the starter

and the way it'll sometimes crank but not turn over made me think something similar. :shrug:

[billyskank]

3. Yes it could be the battery

although there are other things it could be. I had a car which once exhibited symptoms similar to yours. It turned out to be the head gasket was blown, that's the seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. Coolant water was leaking into the cylinders which was making it hard to start. It also meant that the radiator frequently needed topping up with water, and when it started lots of water vapour would come out of the exhaust for the first few minutes.

[JanMichael]

5. battery

you need to have your cable connectors cleaned to.

What kind of car is it? We usually pay about 35 bucks for a battery.

[XemaSab]

8. Toyota Corolla

35 bucks sounds about like the right price.

Looks like having the alternator replaced is more like the wrong end of 300+. :P

[jmowreader]

16. If you've got wrenches and a crowbar it's more like the wrong end of $150

You need an alternator, a battery (if you've got an AC Delco alternator in your car--trust me on this) preferably a new fan belt and about 20 minutes.

Unhook the battery. If you have a Delco alternator remove the battery completely from the car; when Delco alternators on Corollas/GEO Prizms go, they take the battery with them.

Unhook the wiring from the alternator--this involves removing a nut to free the wire that's bolted on, and pulling the plug.

There are two bolts holding the alternator in. Remove both and lift out the alternator.

Put the new one in the car, in the same orientation the old one was in. Fasten the bottom bolt, loosely fasten the top one, loop the new fan belt over the pulleys.

Use the crowbar to GENTLY tension the fan belt, and tighten the top bolt. Hook up the wiring, reinstall the battery, and you're done.

[Redstone]

6. Two tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water.

Pour it all over the battery terminals. It'll burn the gurp off right away.


Redstone

[flvegan]

9. This is your correct answer.

Also, make sure the connections to the battery terminals are tight.

Oh, and be careful.

[Redstone]

11. Yeah, there's some aggressive fizz that happens.

Glasses are well-advised.

Redstone

[XemaSab]

12. .

:thumbsup:

[DainBramaged]

10. I stuck my ear to the screen but I don't remember what a car battery sounds like

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Baking soda and water will clean off the battery crud, don't wear good cloths, and have a hose nearby to rinse it off, then buy a terminal cleaner/cable brush at an auto parts store and remove the cables and clean the terminals and cable ends to maintain good contact. You can also have the battery tested for free after cleaning at most big Auto parts chains near you.

[trof]

13. Starter solenoid.

If you check the battery and it's charged, chances are a failing starter solenoid.

You get click, click, clicking sound but no engine turnover.
Don't think it's too expensive to replace, but it's been a while since I had to.

And don't ask me WHAT a starter solenoid is, but I know they're necessary.
;-)

[XemaSab]

14. Apparently to replace the starter

you have to pull the engine. :scared:

I read on the internet about bad batteries, and the symptoms sound exactly like what I've got going on. :P

[wain]

15. Agree, plus clean battery connections described above

Are there still solenoids in cars today?

[jmowreader]

17. Yes, absolutely

The Starter Solenoid (AKA the Bendix, after the company that invented it) pushes the starter gear into the flywheel, and it turns on the power to the starter motor.