Cutlass won't start

[DiBo]

I have a '96 cutlass v6 3.1 engine.

The car was running fine all day starting up no problem... However after work when I needed to start the car to go home it would not turn over. At first I thought it was a dead battery but I don't think it is because all the lights work in the car, the locks work fine and the radio is fine.

When I try cranking the car I hear the fuel pump engage, I hear the security beeps I have power but all the car does just clicks and clicks trying to turn on. Then the lights in the car dims. I wait 5 minutes or so then lights in the car are fully on again and I try to turn the car on it doesn't turn over and just clicks. Also when I try to turn on the car the speedometer goes haywire.

I am stumped... Any ideas?

[Tech II]

First thing to do, is remove the battery cables(neg first) and check for corrosion on the positive and neg cables.....clean if necessary, don't even bother cleaning the side bolts, replace them.......re-install pos first....make sure the key is not in the ignition and nothing is on when doing this.....

Now try and start....if it still does not turn over, try jumping it with another vehicle....if it starts and runs, then your battery is weak.....have the battery and charging system checked....

[DiBo]

It was a dead battery after all... Thanks for the help!!! I drove it on the highway for 45 minutes so hopefully the alternator recharged the battery fully... I will bring the car to a parts store over the next couple of days to test if the battery or alternator is shot...

Thanks again!

[Tech II]

Alternators are not meant to charge dead batteries, battery chargers are....

In addition to checking the status of your battery(if 4 years or older, chances are you need a new one), connections, and alternator, the vehicle should be checked for a "draw"....