1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse New battery, but car doesn't start

HUMANZOO

MEMBER
1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
181,000 MILES

I just installed a new battery, one recommended by the Autozone computer. It is bigger than the previous battery and the positive cable didn't reach to the terminal, so I put on a Post Terminal Battery Cable Splice to extent the cable. There was one spark when I connected the cables to the battery.

Now, the engine does not start or try to start. Other things happen too._The dome lights stay on even when they're turned off with doors closed for extended time. When I turn the ignition._Oil temp gauge goes to top. _Windshield wipers go on and stay on when in the OFF position. _Radio doesn't power on to enter the code. _The starter seems to buzz for a quarter second then stop. _Radiator fan goes on. _Head/tail lights work. _Brake lights work. _Horn doesn't work. I checked the fuses and they seem to be okay.

I've replaced the battery before without problems, but this is way out there.

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Now, the engine does not start or try to start

Does it crank over and will not start or just won't crank at all/nothing? Get back asap

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Sunday, May 31st, 2009 AT 8:41 PM

HUMANZOO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your speedy reply. (I didn't get the email until Monday evening. Aargh!)

I don't hear it crank, except once it sounded like it wanted to for a split second - then no deal. It didn't do that again. I can't tell what the sounds are, except maybe one of the radiator fans that works. I tried to send an mp3 recording of under the hood when I try to start, but the forum rejected the format. (It really should accept audio files.) I'll send a photo of the battery setup instead. the small wire coming from the neg. terminal is for an extra horn - it hasn't affected the system previously. the Battery is a Duralast 86-DL