wont start

[njcamry]

hey guys just a quick q...my 99 corolla was running great until all of a sudden it wont start!!! i cant even jump it, the security at my job where its stalled said the battery is good, headlights sometimes come on, sometimes not, horn works, and upon turning ignition it clicks, but sometimes nothing!!
no hint of anything before..but just recently after i recooled the ac with the $10 bottles from pepboys, I noticed the engine would sometimes rev for a split second on its own or the lights would brighten momentarily...
maybe the alternator? maybe a short? thanx for any suugestions

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by njcamry

hey guys just a quick q...my 99 corolla was running great until all of a sudden it wont start!!! i cant even jump it, the security at my job where its stalled said the battery is good, headlights sometimes come on, sometimes not, horn works, and upon turning ignition it clicks, but sometimes nothing!!
no hint of anything before..but just recently after i recooled the ac with the $10 bottles from pepboys, I noticed the engine would sometimes rev for a split second on its own or the lights would brighten momentarily...
maybe the alternator? maybe a short? thanx for any suugestions

How to they know the battery is good? Just because the lights and horn work doesn't mean they battery has enough amps to turn the starter. If you get a clicking sound when you try to start it, the problem is most likely the battery, though it could be the starter solenoid.

Have you tried recharging the battery or jump-starting it?

[GreenYoda]

Best bet is to take the battery out get that checked if its up to speed with enough cold cranking amps then thats not it, otherwise as previously mentioned if you turn your key and hear a clicking noise and no turning over then its probably your starter. Happened to me I took it out got my starter checked they said it was fine, reinstalled it, good for a week. Then the same problem happened I just ended up replacing the starter and problem solved. All my electronics were working as well.

[njcamry]

i tried jumping it on my own but it didint work, but for some reason triple aaa jumped it and it worked!! i guess it is the battery..thanx!

[CorollaRollin98]

most likely its the battery, if not then alternator, then the starter.

[njcamry]

really weird!! i take the battery to walmart and they check it and say its good!! has 12.5 volts..then i put the battery back in the car and now it works!! tripleaaa told me the battery was no good, could it be the battery goes up and down?

[sam333]

The battery has to be tested under load( either simulated or in the car trying to start the engine).

You can have 12 volts showing on a multimeter ,but unless the battery is under load you cant tell if it is good or not.

A battery does not get "better" it starts its life and it is all down hill from there.

About 5 years is all you can expect from a battery that is well cared for.

[glow-plug]

Make sure the connections are clean on the battery and cable connectors.
Like the boys said lights, etc do not draw as many amps as a starter.

[AlaricD]

Originally Posted by sam333

The battery has to be tested under load( either simulated or in the car trying to start the engine).

Usually, the battery test at Wal-Mart or Autozone is under load. But the best battery is still at the mercy of the cables. You can use a voltmeter to check the voltage drop, in accordance with the instructions here.