2005 Hyundai Elantra problem starting car

Tiny
TLMARCKEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
For 3 days my car doesn't want to start. Everything electrical in the car comes on, but when I turn the key in the ignition, I will get a chiming sound and car won't start. Upon getting a jumpstart, it will start right up tho. The battery is new february of 2014. Any idea what this short chiming is meaning and what could be up with the car? It was fine since getting new battery until 4 days ago.
Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 8:16 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Since it starts with a jump, I have to first question the battery even though it is not a year old yet. Have you tried charging it? Have you had it load tested at a parts store?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
TLMARCKEL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I've unfortunately not been able to get to the parts store where I purchased the battery. We have temps of -28 still today but I'm in the process of going outside to see if the car will even care to start. I was thinking the chiming noise it makes when I do try to start it was meaning something?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If the battery is weak enough, that could cause the sound you're hearing. Cars act crazy in those temps. I have a feeling the battery is the problem or you have a loose or corroded battery terminal.

Check that and let me know what you find.

Wow! It's cold there. It was 0 here this morning and I thought that was bad. LOL
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
TLMARCKEL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok, guess I'm needing to bundle up and go see if it will start for me now then. The terminals don't really look corroded, but the right one will turn so is a little loose but also won't tighten up anymore than it is. The man from roadside assistance did try to tighten it but the bolt is as tight as it can get.
These temps are supposed to break early afternoon today but still be frigid. I'm hoping the battery is the problem as will be an easy fix then. I hate making the guys at autozone have to go out in this cold and mess with it but, that is where I bought it so they need to do the checking, IF I'm able to get down there. I'll make sure to post here later in the day what I do find out but yeah, if it's just a faulty battery I will feel much better to get that replaced instead of say the starter or alternator like some feel is the problem. Wish I was a car savvy gal lol
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Let me know what you find. If you have a terminal that can't be tightened, it should be replaced. A loose terminal can cause many problems.

As far as being car savvy, you're doing fine. Let me know if you have any questions. As far as it being an alt, if the battery light wasn't on, it should be fine. The starter usually won't cause the noise you hear. I feel confident it has something to do with the battery. Be careful getting it to Autozone.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
TLMARCKEL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello! Autozone replaced the battery, but the guy was a bit insistant that the problem was my alternator. I learned I had purchased a battery that came with a 2 year full replacement warranty so I was feeling great about that as well. It's 4 a.M, I went outside a bit ago and the car started right up with not a bit of hesitation! I'm feeling confident that after all the worry and stress, that the battery was indeed the issue after all. Thank you so much for your assistance, it really did help me ;o) Have a wonderful weekend!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 9th, 2015 AT 1:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
That's good news. Listen, if the alt or battery light isn't on, chances are the alt is fine. If you can get a simple volt meter, I can explain a very simple way to check if the alternator is working. It will take 5 minutes.

Let me know. Have a good weekend too.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 9th, 2015 AT 7:18 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE