Page 1 of 1
starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 9:08 am
by ballstatefan05
I don't know if its the extreme cold (it was -5 this morning) or if there is an actual problem, but here is the description:
It has done this twice now.
When I try and start it first thing in the morning, it acts like its gonna start then it dies. When I try and turn the key again, there is NOTHING, meaning no clicking, no lights or noises. It has eventually started every time (after 3-5 tries) and I haven't had this problem after I leave the house. I have also noticed that my voltage meter has been a little erratic and when I put the car in park sometimes the volts go WAY down. I replaced the battery in November. Any suggestions?
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 11:46 am
by J Wikoff
Loose or corroded battery terminal connections.
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:37 pm
by quicksilver
I agree, ive had this happen on another vehicle, although it took me wiggling the battery connection to get it to work.
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 1:40 am
by bobgto65
I agree this may be a connection issue although with the battery under the rear seat, if the connections are tight, and the ground cable connection is good on the floorboard, check the positive cable at the front and rear fuse blocks to make sure they are tight and not corroded as well.
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 8:42 am
by ballstatefan05
Thank you all for your responses. I have to take it to the shop tonight for oil in my coolant reservoir so I will have them check the battery connections as well. It's soooo cold here right now I don't even wanna mess with it!
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:46 am
by quicksilver
Oil in the coolant doesnt sound too good, hopefully it isnt a worse case scenario. If its trans oil, could be a bad radiator which is what Id hope for.
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 12:15 pm
by ballstatefan05
yes I know, I had my oil changed a couple weeks ago at a "drive thru" place and he pointed out an oily sludge type of stuff in my coolant reservoir. My engine oil was also low, as indicated by my "check your oil level" light. I'm hoping for the best...ugh.
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 12:18 pm
by J Wikoff
Oil in the coolant would probably be the radiator. Does an 00+ SE have an oil cooler built into the radiator?
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 12:20 pm
by J Wikoff
ballstatefan05 wrote:yes I know, I had my oil changed a couple weeks ago at a "drive thru" place and he pointed out an oily sludge type of stuff in my coolant reservoir. My engine oil was also low, as indicated by my "check your oil level" light. I'm hoping for the best...ugh.
Oil will more or less stay oil when it's in the coolant. It'll seperate and float to the top. Coolant sludge will look like orange mud, and is the result of degraded coolant.
Re: starts. dies. no power at key turn. then starts again. ?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 12:53 pm
by ballstatefan05
J Wikoff wrote:ballstatefan05 wrote:yes I know, I had my oil changed a couple weeks ago at a "drive thru" place and he pointed out an oily sludge type of stuff in my coolant reservoir. My engine oil was also low, as indicated by my "check your oil level" light. I'm hoping for the best...ugh.
Oil will more or less stay oil when it's in the coolant. It'll seperate and float to the top. Coolant sludge will look like orange mud, and is the result of degraded coolant.
Well that right there my friend is hopeful news! Thank you! Although, I had to have the condenser replaced about 6-8 months ago. Wouldn't they have had to drain the coolant and replace with fresh or would they have 'reused' my old?