Would not start

COLTRANEOZECAP

MEMBER
2002 SATURN SC1
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
231,000 MILES

It wouldn't start the entire day and it wouldn't make any grinding noise, and it would run on battery. Also, I bought a whole new battery for it, and I let it sit for a week, and just today it started perfectly fine. I did it a couple times and every time it started perfectly, one of my friends suggested it was my starter but now that it was able to start, I'm not sure if it is now, it isn't the alternator as it was able to run on battery and radio was able to work, but it just wasn't able to start.

Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 3:13 PM

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

Is it working properly now? Also, does the starter sound normal when you start the vehicle?

If possible, record it starting so I can hear the starter motor engage. Hopefully, I will be able to tell if there is an issue.

Also, when you replaced the battery, by chance was the old one tested to make sure it was bad. And did you hear the grinding noise when the starter was engaged?

If the noise was heard (grinding) when trying to start it, there is a good chance the starter solenoid is going bad. However, before I condemn the starter, I need more info.

Let me know as much as you can. If you can record it cranking, that would be helpful.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 10:33 PM

COLTRANEOZECAP

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hey, thanks for the info, I started the car today and it was able to start, I did it approximately 5 times and every time it started perfectly fine, this problem was 1 week ago so I let it sit for a week and today I tried it out and it was like normal again. I'm just scared if it happens again and I'm in the middle of nowhere. When I tried starting it up when the car was in bad shape it wouldn't make any sound at all. When I tried turning the car on, it would run on battery but wouldn't start the engine. I forgot to mention this has happened a couple of times but every time I gave it a boost and it was able to start, just this time It didn't start, I don't want to take chances with this car so I'm hoping to find the answer as soon as possible.

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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 10:51 PM

COLTRANEOZECAP

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Also, the old battery was completely drained when I tried using it afterwards, so I just gave up on it, so I'm pretty sure everything is alright with the new battery now.

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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 10:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like it is okay, but let's just confirm one thing. Since the battery is new, it may continue working for a while. However, if the alternator isn't producing as it should, it will eventually drain the battery to the point it won't run.

I would like you to confirm the alternator is doing its job. It's really simple to test. All you need is a basic voltmeter or multimeter. Follow the directions on this link and let me know the results:

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

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care and Happy 4th of July.

Joe

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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 11:21 PM

COLTRANEOZECAP