95 Lesabre Custom won't start

Been having problems starting my 95 Lesabre Custom. First off, I ain't no mechanic, but I can follow simple directions - so I'm thinking I might be able to make some preliminary determinations before rushing to the repair shop.

The symptoms:
- went to start the car and there was no power. no lights, no radio, no nothing.
- went out later in the day to try again, won't start - no sound at all when turning the ignition, verrrrry dim control panel, no heat/ac, radio/clock does work. then I hit the headlight switch to check them and everything flashed, the clock reset and then I hear a loud, rapid clicking from the engine compartment behind and below the radio - control panel lights now off, no heat/ac, but radio will come on.

what I've done:
- checked the fuses (just by sight) under dash on driver's side. fuse in postion 9 all the way over nearest the driver's side was blown (if I'm interpreting the manual correctly this is for the cig lighter).
- replaced the blown fuse
- tried to jump the battery w/ a portable jumper...I was able to get it revving, but it would not turn over.
- gave a quick glance over the battery cables. they're tight and look ok.

This evening I'm going to get somebody over to try to help me jump it. But if I continue to have problems I'm wanting to check out the current on the battery, alternator, etc. I'd also like to check the maxifuses, but the owner's manual doesn't really give any elucidation as to where to find these.

So...the couple things I was wondering is:
1. Any general advice.
2. Where (explicitly) can I locate the maxifuse/relay center...draw a picutre if possible
3. I was looking at this multitester/ammeter (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=22-602) from the Shack and wondered if it would be sensitive enough to give adequate readings. It's specs:
RANGES
AC/DC Voltage 15V, 150V, 500V
DC Current 150 mA
AC Current 3A, 15A, 30A
Resistance 100kW (Center 3.5KW), 10KW (Center 350W)
ACCURACY
DC ±3.0% of full scale
AC ±4.0% of full scale
Resistance ±3.0% at full scale length
Sensitivity, AC/DC Voltage 2000 W/Volt


Any help would be appreciated...thanks much!

It sounds like you just have a dead battery.

Your problem may be that some circuit is still drawing power and draining your battery after the ignition is turned off. To check for that condition, you would have to disconnect a battery cable and wire an anmeter between the disconnected cable and the battery node to measure the current draw. Alternately, you can wire a test a light between the same points (light on means => current draw).

If you have a current draw with the ignition off, to find the circuit start pulling fuses till the current draw drops. Then it is a matter of investigating the components on that circuit and why is it drawing juice.

Tried the jump start, didn't work.

Full power was coming through of the good battery, but it wouldn't rev or turn over.

I looked under the hood while the ignition was being turned and the alterernator was just clicking, making repetitive miniscule turns on the belt...but the belt wasn't going anywhere.

The car is now back to totally dead power-wise.

What should I be looking for now?

Might check that alternator to see if it will spin. It could be bad and seized up. I would try to loosen the belt enough to try to turn it by hand. A freind of mine had his alternator lock up in his Pontiac a few years ago. The alternator went bad, seized up and locked everything up including the engine. The starter wouldn't even turn the engine over. The V belt held it all tight. He thought he had burned up the motor and locked it up, but it turned out that it just needed a new alternator. Not sure if that's it, but it's something to check.

all right.
thanks for the help so far.


but can anyone address my other two questions:
2. Where (explicitly) can I locate the maxifuse/relay center...draw a picutre if possible
3. I was looking at this multitester/ammeter (http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...uct%5Fid=22-602) from the Shack and wondered if it would be sensitive enough to give adequate readings. It's specs:
RANGES
AC/DC Voltage 15V, 150V, 500V
DC Current 150 mA
AC Current 3A, 15A, 30A
Resistance 100kW (Center 3.5KW), 10KW (Center 350W)
ACCURACY
DC ±3.0% of full scale
AC ±4.0% of full scale
Resistance ±3.0% at full scale length

thanks again.
much more to come...


Sensitivity, AC/DC Voltage 2000 W/Volt

So the alternator does turn by hand...fairly difficult to turn w/ the resistance of the belts, but it does turn.

Maybe it is a bad starter. In the 97 Lesabre that I have, most of the relays are under a long plastic cover along the firewall on the passenger side. There are two or three little plastic clips that can be turned to release the cover. There are relays under it. There is a large wiring harness that runs under the plastic cover.

Get a fully charged battery and try that if it still does not start and makes the clicking noise then its possibly the starter.

Well, the maxifuse relay is under the plastic cover that sits on your back left engine compartment wall. It is near the group of relays. However, I strongly advise you not to waste your time getting to them as I own two 92s and have much experience troubleshooting cars and almost for sure a fuse is not your problem.

Do what the other person suggested. Try a new battery from another vehicle. If still broken, check your battery cables. Check them not just at the battery but also check where the negative attaches to the engine. Check your cars' various electrical systems when you do have a good charge (as in when being jumped). Check the functioning of your lights, radio, heater, etc. to see if it all works correctly. Does the jump boost the battery at all? Will it turn over when being jumped?

That is a start, but you may have to have it towed to a service center.