Car will not start

Tiny
FIXCAR2019
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 130,000 MILES
The battery was taken out for 24 hours when put back in it will not start. So I purchased a brand new battery and it still will not start. All the lights come on but when the key is turned to the start position it only clicks. When the vehicle is turned to ACC position it clicks. The radio does not come on however.
Saturday, September 7th, 2019 AT 4:14 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Was there any issue prior with the starter? Also, the click you hear usually indicates a weak connection or a bad starter. However, if the starter wasn't an issue prior, then I would confirm that the terminals are clean and tight and make sure the grounds to the engine and the body are clean.

If they appear good, then we need to confirm the starter is working properly. You will need a helper to check this. Basically, on the starter there are two connections. One will have a larger wire direct from the battery. The other is much smaller and goes to the S terminal on the starter. What you need to do is check if there is power to the smaller wire when the key is in the start position. Here is a link that explains how to do this:

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

Here are a few links you may find helpful when testing the starter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Next, see if you can determine where the click that is heard is coming from. Is it the starter, the relay box under the hood, and so on. Also, check fuses in the under hood fuse box.

Do this and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Sunday, September 8th, 2019 AT 8:09 PM

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