Car will not start

Tiny
DIEGO SANTOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SUZUKI SWIFT
  • 1.5L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 70,000 MILES
I was driving when the ABS light came on and the gauges went stopped working, I managed to get it home. Now it won't start. It will start if jumped but if I try to start it on its own, there is a rapid clicking noise as I turn the key to start.
Saturday, March 16th, 2019 AT 10:01 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Based on your description, it sounds like the battery is too weak to start the engine. First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Next, I want you to perform the following simple load test on the present battery:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Do these things and let me know the results. Or, you could remove the battery and have it load tested at a parts store. Most will do it for free.

Either the battery has failed or for some reason, wasn't being recharged by the alternator. If you get it running (jump started), remove the jumper cables from the vehicle once running and then using a volt meter or a multi-meter, check to see what voltage is at the battery. With the car running, it should be around 14 volts. With the engine off, the battery should be around 12 volts. If there is no difference and the voltage remains at 12 volts. with the engine running or not, the alternator is bad.

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

One last thought, if you have a battery charger, see if you can recharge the battery. It may prove the battery as the fault.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

______________________________________

Please let me know if I can help. Also, feel free to ask questions if you have them.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, March 16th, 2019 AT 3:18 PM

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