1997 Chevy Lumina Battery Drain?

Tiny
JGILES
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
My 1997 3.1L V6 chevy lumina wont start anymore when I try to start it. I thought it was the battery because the cars getting power to radio and lights and everything else but it wont get enough power to start, only rapid clicking when the key was turned. I had to end up jumping it almost every day with another car or portable jumb box just to get it to start due to what seemed a completely drained battery. I decided to replace the battery. But now the car won't turn over and I don't even hear the rapid clicking anymore. Ever since the original battery was disconnected, the car won't start at all anymore, even with jumper cables connected to a running vehicle. I have tried two different batteries with the same results. Someone told me it could be my solenoid, can anyone please help?

I replaced the original battery with two different batteries. Checked and cleaned all leads, terminals and connectors for battery. Don't have access to a voltage meter, but am confident that every replacement battery tried has a good strong charge.
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 10:20 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Ignition switch has most likely failed, but first test the starter solenoid. Easy way to do is just jumper the solenoid with a screwdriver, if it trys to crank engine then its good and ign. Switch needs replaced.
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 10:22 PM
Tiny
JGILES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the prompt response. Is it commonly known for an ignition switch or solenoid to die after/during the replacement of a battery? Could I have mistakenly disconnected or damaged any of these components while swapping out batteries? I tried to do the replacement myself even thought it is tough to do on a lumina.
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
No, it is actually very common to mistake a dead battery or weak charging system for a failing ignition switch though. It gives just about the same symptoms but most of the time the switch is forgotten about and the entire charging system is replaced before it's realized that the ignition switch is indeed at fault.
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 10:48 PM
Tiny
JGILES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for all of your help! Hopefully replacing the ignition switch is a little more easier than replacing the battery was!
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 11:01 PM

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