Car would not start after installing a new battery?

2018 DODGE JOURNEY
53,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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EMUNDY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
We took the car to AutoZone and tested things to see why the car wouldn’t start after getting battery jumped enough to get there.
Bad battery, got a new one.
Dad put it in. Once in the windshield wipers went haywire and lights wouldn’t go off and the car wouldn’t start.
What could it be?
Jul 6, 2023 at 7:11 AM
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MATHGEN
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 128 POSTS
It's possible that the vehicle security system could have been armed, although I don't see how that would affect the wipers. But you might try locking and unlocking the doors with the key fob and then see if the vehicle starts. Also, try other vehicle accessories: radio, power windows, A/C fan, etc. Please let me know what you find and we can take it from there.
Jul 7, 2023 at 6:14 AM
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EMUNDY
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  • 3 POSTS
So, the battery was in backwards, but detached. A lady came and put the battery in correctly and it started right after. But when my husband stepped on the gas pedal it seemed sluggish and he turned it off. About a half hour later I tried to start again, and it won’t start it clicked but you can move the shift in and out of reverse neutral and drive, but it doesn’t turn over still. Tried to lock and unlock door with key fob and pushed the start button to Run and put in neutral then tried to start but still clicking! Not sure what now!
Jul 7, 2023 at 3:25 PM
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EMUNDY
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It turns out to be the alternator but there are other problems, once the alternator is fixed, we will see what else it is!
Jul 10, 2023 at 2:16 AM
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MATHGEN
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 128 POSTS
I'm glad to hear you found the issue. Hopefully after replacing the alternator everything will be fine. Please let us know how it goes.
Jul 10, 2023 at 4:40 AM
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