Starting problem 1995 Infiniti g20t

ROB PRICE

MEMBER
1995 INFINITI

Hi everyone

I've had a problem starting my car for a few months now, and resorted to riding the bus. I've had the starter replaced, and that didnt really help. I think it's the battery, because it used to click when I tried to start. Now, it doesnt do anything at all.

It must be something wrong with the power, because the radio doesnt even come on (You know when you turn the key half way, not starting the car? Nothing comes on then.)

I wanted to take it to a dealer, but the closest one is about a $300 towing fee away.

This is my first car and I want to continue to learn how to repair it when something goes wrong, as opposed to paying someone googobs of money to just look at it.

One more thing: when it cut out (the night it ceased to start again), weird lights started flashing inside the car (like stuff on the dashboard, and the radio). My idiot self turned off the car to try to start it again, and that's when it ceased to work. I dont know if that matters, but I am mentioning it nontheless.

I talked to a car geek of mine, and he said its one of three things: the battery, the starter, or the alternator. I've ruled out the starter, because I replaced that not too long ago. I strongly believe its the battery, and I have no idea what an alternator does.

I dont wannt spend the $60 or so plus $15 for the battery and new cables if its not going to slove my problem All I want is for my car to work so I can go on about my business with ease. I get the feeling that working on my car is going to become an obsession as I learn more about how they work

one more thing, how do I replace the battery if that's what's needed? I know I have to disconnect the cables and all, but should I keep those asame cables? Or do I replace them, too? Is replacing the cables an extremely difficult job? I dont wanna end up electrocuting myself.

thanks alot to whoever helps me out

Peace
- Rob

3 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

The best thing to do is to take the battery out of the car. Then take it to the closest repair shop. You want to have the battery charged and then tested. Any shop can do this for little money. Some large auto parts chains will even do this for free. Check around. If the battery is over 5 years old just replace it and save yourself some future grief.

You can use the old cables if the are in decent condition. Clean the conections with some steel wool, wire brush, or whatever. Clean the tray it sits on while it is out with a mixture of baking soda and water.

The alternator is what charges the battery. After you have your baterry recharged or replaced drive to a shop and have it tested. It is a quick inexpensive thing to do. Again some parts stores will do it for free.

Good luck and let us know. :)