Girl who's car won't start

[alisonmarie08]

Ok, Let me start by saying I know nothing about cars. But here goes, I have a 2000 cavalier that will start. It worked fine last night, but I went to leave this morning and it's snowing out and it just would not start. The dome lights came on when I opened the door and even the cdplayer/radio works. All inside lights come on, just not as bright. However, when I went to turn it all the way to start it up, it's like the car went dead. Nothing worked at all when it was turned all the way. There was a click then nothing, just dead. Does anybody have any suggestions. I am trying to deal with this without calling my dad. Any ideas? I would appreciate anything. If it were the battery why would I be able to listen to the radio? Help me!!

Thanks,
Alison

[|WYG|SS]

Originally Posted by alisonmarie08

Ok, Let me start by saying I know nothing about cars. But here goes, I have a 2000 cavalier that will start. It worked fine last night, but I went to leave this morning and it's snowing out and it just would not start. The dome lights came on when I opened the door and even the cdplayer/radio works. All inside lights come on, just not as bright. However, when I went to turn it all the way to start it up, it's like the car went dead. Nothing worked at all when it was turned all the way. There was a click then nothing, just dead. Does anybody have any suggestions. I am trying to deal with this without calling my dad. Any ideas? I would appreciate anything. If it were the battery why would I be able to listen to the radio? Help me!!

Thanks,
Alison

so ur saying that the radio and that stuff didnt work after u tried to start it. if this is wut happened then the battery is dead. if u got a battery charger then hook it up and charge it. if u dont then if u have a frien with a car and jumper cables hook them both up but on ur car hook the positive up first then the negative up second after u have them attached to ur friend battery.

[03CavyMan]

Yep, you definetly have a dead battery. It's normal to have them wear out and not hold a charge anymore. You can boost it, but it probably will not hold a charge anymore. (Seeing how the car is 6-7 years old, probably original battery) You'll probably have to replace it.

Hope this helps.

[alisonmarie08]

Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it. I thought of the battery, but why would the lights? I mean when I open the door, the lamp light comes on(but isn't as bright) and when I turn the key it acts like it's going to start(meaning the radio, panel lights and all that comes on) but as I go to turn it all the way it just clicks and dies. I don't know, maybe that's how it works. Like I said, I don't know much about cars. How much does it cost to replace a battery?

[cavy2fast4u]

either a bad battery or loose connection. I have had a loose terminal do that before.

[muet0005]

stereo/lights do not require as much power as the starter/ignition. The 'clicking' noise you mentioned is characteristic of a low battery. you can probably get by if you get a jump start, but if you are in persistent cold weather, it is a good idea to replace the battery. If the problem continues, with a new battery, have your alternator checked. A friendly service person (i enjoy Napa) should be able to check the alternator if you decide to replace the battery.

[03CavyMan]

The reason for your accessories working and starter not working, is that the starter requires A LOT more amperage to run than your accessories. A starter will draw 100-150 Amps, when most accessories will usually only require 5-10 Amps.

[dwyczalek]

Also if it is a GM car and has Volt/Amp/or Battery gauge on the dash if you turn the key to on position without engine the running it will show how much juice you have in the battery. I think if it is still in around the 10 volt scale, I think it will still start (well tuned car)

[J-Ri]

Unless she's been sitting there for over 2 years, it's probably taken care of. Please read and follow the USER GUIDELINES http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...uidelines.html

It is a GM car... and I'd bet it's a Cavalier too... Other cars don't have optional voltage gauges? There is absolutely no way that a battery with a static voltage of 10v will start any engine under any conditions, no matter how "tuned" the car may be. Battery voltage in a GOOD battery drops about 2-3 volts while cranking, take just 4 volts away from the severely drained 10v battery, and the PCM won't even function, let alone have a hot enough spark, that's if somehow the starter was even able to turn the engine.

I COMMAND this thread be locked!