Engine not cranking?

KIMKPHILL1

MEMBER
2008 CADILLAC CTS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
255 MILES

My car isn't cranking, we bought a battery last year and it seemed to fix the problem and then it started not cranking again but when we put the battery charger on it, it would crank this became a everyday problem. When I would go to crank it, the motor would not turn over, it would just make a collecting noise, the lights and everything are coming on. We thought it might have been the starter relay. We bought one, put it in it and it's still not cranking. Could it be the alternator? My headlights interior lights everything is working.

Friday, July 22nd, 2022 AT 6:07 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

Is the starter clicking now? If it is and the battery is good, then I would suspect the alternator isn't producing. However, before I jump to that conclusion, I need to know if it is still clicking now, if the battery terminals are clean and tight, free of corrosion, and if you had the battery load tested. Here is a basic test for loading it, but this may not be conclusive in this case:

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

Without the engine running, it will be difficult to test the alternator. So, disconnect the negative terminal and fully charge the battery. See if it will start then.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, July 22nd, 2022 AT 10:34 PM