Clicked but wouldn't turn over?

ANONYMOUS

MEMBER
1998 GMC C1500
117 MILES

Yesterday I noticed a burn-ish smell as I pulled into the driveway. Today I went to start it. Nothing. So I charged the battery with a charger until it read full. Lights came on (no dimming that I noticed) including dash lights. Clicked but wouldn't turn over. Just the click. Ran inside to check something and ten minutes later it was dead again. No click, no light, nothing. Cleaned the terminals but the battery is at least 5-6 years old. What could the culprits be here?

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 AT 6:49 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Just so we cover the basics.
Have you tried to jump start the engine?
You could just have a bad battery. Keep in mind a bad battery may not take on charge properly and when you try to start the engine the battery will not be able to start it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-jump-start-car-battery-using-jumper-cables

If you are able to jump start it and it runs fine, then the battery is bad and needs to be replaced.
If it does not jump start and all it does is click, then the starter could be the issue.
Inspect the wires to the starter. Make sure the wires are secured and free of any corrosion.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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