Starting problem?

I have a 2002 Intrepid SE Police Model and haven't had too many problems with it until now. My battery is holding a charge but the only way to start the car is by jumping it. Once it's started eberything is good. The second I shut it down though, nothing. I took battery in and had it tested...OK. Cleaned my terminals and tightened all connections too. Also disconnected the Pos battery terminal with the car running and it stayed running with no problem. When I try to start it I just get one loud click and thats it. Sounds like it's coming from down low, starter maybe not getting enough juice? Any ideas or suggestions?

Take it to an auto parts store near you who can do an electrical diognostic for free, they may be able to help. Your alternator may be over/under charging.

It holds the charge but when the cars stops the charge dissapates. I could be wrong, but I think that is how they are supposed to work. The battery starts it and the alternator keeps it running, but if that were true it wouldn't stay running if the alternator is bad so...

You may even have a short somewhere or it may be a computer problem or...

But it sure acts like an electrical problem.

Hope this helps,
Mark

Once it's started, everything is good. The second I shut it down though, nothing. Any ideas or suggestions?

If the positive terminal on top where you connect your jumper has some corrosion and is loose, it will do that and make you crazy.

You need to take it apart with two 15mm wrenches, clean off all the corrosion, get it all tight and then see if it starts.


Cheers,

Joe

How old is the battery ? My vehicle was starting to do the "drag cranking" thing. Tested the battery under load, tested ok. Replaced the battery at the WIFE's recommendation and no more cranking problem.

You could also test the main wire to the starter for resistance and if you are receiving 12 volts at the starter.

Just a thought.

It does in fact sound like the connection from the end to the post is bad. For a few bucks just simply swap out the ends for new ones and be done with it.

sounds like you have a loose connection on the starter