Help w/ 97 GC Start

[leosalchemist]

It happened a couple times lately, the first few times I thought it was some transmission - steering wheel problem. And the problem was solved when I tweaked the wheel a couple times. But last time it happened, I couldn't start it by the old trick. The car is power everything, so it became a pain in the a$$ as I couldn't even roll down the window. I spent an hour w/o success so I called AAA. The funny thing is the AAA guy started the car by simple jump start.

I'm sure the battery was OK because I just turned off the engine for 15 mins. So I suspect there was some electric short as I couldn't operate the CD player or A/C, when I was trying to start it. CD and A/C normally operate when the key is at certain position w/o the engine running.

Additionaly, I noticed some strange clicking sound when I was sitting in the car, both when the key plugged in and key not plugged in. The sound went away when I turned on one of the lights in the car.

But once again, how could a jump start fix a electric short?

Probably I need an electric tune up, but don't want to get ripped off. Any advices will be appreciated.

[JDPascal]

This fix sounds so simple but make sure your battery posts are clean. make sure you remove them and clean them as the contact surface can be corroded and the outside lookes clean.

JD

[leosalchemist]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

This fix sounds so simple but make sure your battery posts are clean. make sure you remove them and clean them as the contact surface can be corroded and the outside lookes clean.

JD

That's exactly what the AAA guy told me. I did notice corrosion on the battery post but never bothered to clean that. I'll clean it tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks a lot for the reply. Incidently, is this a common problem with GC? I didn't see such corrosion on my old mazda.

And, if possible, could you explain why I heard that strange clicking sound?

[JDPascal]

Battery post corrosion is common on any vehicle.

how fast it forms is dependent on a variaty of factors. I try to service them in the spring after the snow leaves and again before it gets cold in late fall.

The clicking noise was probably a relay for one of a number of circuits. Not enough current to hold it closed - just enough to pull it in and let it open again.

The corrosion at the connection acts like a pinched hose and wont let the current through to power the circuit.

How did things work out on this for you?? - let us know. It helps others know what might work by telling what you found and what you did to fix it.

how close was the advise to the actual solution??

JD

[leosalchemist]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

Battery post corrosion is common on any vehicle.

how fast it forms is dependent on a variaty of factors. I try to service them in the spring after the snow leaves and again before it gets cold in late fall.

The clicking noise was probably a relay for one of a number of circuits. Not enough current to hold it closed - just enough to pull it in and let it open again.

The corrosion at the connection acts like a pinched hose and wont let the current through to power the circuit.

How did things work out on this for you?? - let us know. It helps others know what might work by telling what you found and what you did to fix it.

how close was the advise to the actual solution??

JD

JD, you are the man! Yes, I did it last evening and so far the problem seems gone. And your explanation makes perfect sense. You saved me a bundle, can't say enough thank you!

[craig campbell]

Never overlook the obvious (but, I do it all the time). My '95 was intermittently cranking but not starting... until the problem became permanent. I had noticed some corosion on the battery clamps, but figured surely if it could crank, it could start. I played with the usual things and no luck, so I pulled the clamps and saw a layer of haze esp. on the negative post... cleaned all surfaces spotless and it's been starting just fine for months. Even tho the symptoms didn't make sense to me re. the battery connection, it should have been the first thing I checked. Live and learn.

[leosalchemist]

Originally Posted by craig campbell

Never overlook the obvious (but, I do it all the time). My '95 was intermittently cranking but not starting... until the problem became permanent. I had noticed some corosion on the battery clamps, but figured surely if it could crank, it could start. I played with the usual things and no luck, so I pulled the clamps and saw a layer of haze esp. on the negative post... cleaned all surfaces spotless and it's been starting just fine for months. Even tho the symptoms didn't make sense to me re. the battery connection, it should have been the first thing I checked. Live and learn.

Very good point. BTW, this is by far the best place I found to look for auto help. Saved me hundreds of dollars!

[jcbcr]

It worked for my JCG 93 last sunday. I saved money too. Thanks for your replies.