Starting problems, can't crank?

[FishyMan]

My aunt's corolla can't seem start. For the past few days she has said the car starts on and off. She would have to get several attempts, sometimes it would start right away, however today it could not start after trying for 30 mins.

What can the problem be? I haven't had a chance to look at it, but is replacing a starter difficult? Any DIY w/ pics here? Could it be a relay thing?

Battery seems fine.

[glow-plug]

Remove clean the battery connections.

[FishyMan]

Originally Posted by glow-plug

Remove clean the battery connections.

Do you think wd40 helps or baking soda? I'll try that, although I don't think that's the case, cuz the car lights up, but I haven't cranked it to hear if I hear that rapid tick to indicate the weak battery.

Thanks for the tip.

[Bitter]

no crank at all or one click?

[glow-plug]

Start with the easy stuff clean the connections on the battery terminals and inside the clamps.
using somethin like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/battery...ner-94450.html

A poor connection at the battery can cause clicking or no crank at all.

[FishyMan]

Hi guys.

I really appreciate you folks replying and helping my aunt. Not having to replace and spend money for excessive is helpful!

I cleaned the battery connections and boy were you folks correct. Initially when I took a look at it, it did not crank or even click, nor tick. I thought battery died, but the connection was too weak for the car to crank.

I first thought it was a dead battery, but went w/ all options and cleaned the clamps/terminals w/ WD40. After cleaning it and tightening the terminals again, the car started w/o hesitation. I hope that was the resolution.

The part that made me still believe was when I played w/ the negative terminal, I heard the click and sound of the components being charged.

Thanks for taking the time to post, it means a lot.

[Bingo]

First rule of shade tree mechanics: Start with the easiest and cheapest stuff first.