1995 Buick Riviera Won't start

ZRAKVIR

MEMBER
1995 BUICK RIVIERA
FWD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Replaced the starter thinking it was the problem. Bought a new battery and it started right up. Turned the car off and it won't start again. All the interior lights come on and the radio but when you turn the key to turn it over everything dims and the engine makes a click but that's it. All the fuses and battery connections are fine. Just trying to find out what I can do so I don't have to take it somewhere.

Friday, December 13th, 2013 AT 4:05 PM

2 Replies

BMDOUBLE

MECHANIC
1,139 POSTS

Just make sure you are getting a full 12 volts at starter and have someone crank it while test lead is on batt terminal of starter, also check ground circuit for continuity and load test.

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Saturday, December 14th, 2013 AT 8:45 AM

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Ok, have you tried jump starting it? Usually when what you describe happens it's a good indication of a battery problem or connection problem.

Ok, the first thing I would do is -

Check the battery connection on the Neg Side at the engine, suggest removing cleaning area and reconnecting.

Then try jump starting it. If starts turn vehicle off and charge the battery up, then with digital multimeter in hand and after you've checked out the video below on how to test an alternator, go ahead and start the vehicle and check the charging voltage.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Post findings

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Saturday, December 14th, 2013 AT 6:02 PM