[snobdrblinkchik]

this problem started yesterday. i drove my car to work and when i left (about 13 hours later) when i went to start the car all the panel lights started to kind of flutter (blink on and off continuously) and a clicking noise came frum under the hood and the car wouldn't start. Then i put my key into the "on" position sat there for a while and then went to start the car. it took about 5-10 secs to start the car, all the while the panel lights are flashing again but very dim. THEN this morning same thing happened. But this time as i was backing out of the driveway, the light under the check engine light (its orange and has a picture of the car with lines coming from the back lights...) well that light and the battery light start flashing. I turned off my radio and it still was flashing and then i turned off my A/C (which was on high) and the flashing stopped. So basically when the a/c was on the lights flashed. So after i drive a couple of mins without the a/c i decide to turn the ac back on and no lights flashed...SO can ne one tell me wat's wrong?? i know this is long but i had to fully describe it...hope it's descriptive enough.

 

[snobdrblinkchik]

oh yea..the car is a 4 door 1996 2.2l automatic with 120,000 miles.

 

[wontonjohnny]

weak battery

 

[snobdrblinkchik]

don't think so

i just had my battery checked prolly two weeks ago and it was all good. my battery isn't all that old ne ways cuz it was replaced when i had my last accident..which was two years ago.

 

[CDNVITZ]

Well then your down to two! Either it's your starter or your alternator...

-Rick

 

[wontonjohnny]

charge your battery and see if it works...

what you described is exactly what happens to me when i drain my battery playing my stereo too long with the engine off... overnight charge fixes that.

also your alternator my be at cause if there is no other reason for your battery to be weak

 

[Toysrme]

Dead battery. Charge it; if it is serviceable, check it's fluid level. If it dies again run to an autozone type store and have them check the ALT.

(and make sure you stop leaving the lights/stereo on when you don't have the car running, or that you drive it one day in 3 to keep it charged LoL!)

 

[Nick]

if its not the battery (get a boost and see) then its your starter motor sticking, give it a few hits from a hammer handle then it should start, if that works it means your starter will need replacing as the coils in the motor are shorting together

 

[Pearl Jam-5150]

Try A Search... Starter Problem


Sounds Like Your Problem Could Be

The Starter Solenoid Contacts Are Worn (Need Replaced)

(If Battery Is Good, All Connections Clean, Tight)


Hope This Helps,

Ed

 

[userlain]

It's your battery. Get it charged.

 

[Tommy]

I had the same problem about a month ago.

I had a year old battery, but the alternator was dying. Car wouldnt start, got a jump, started right up. but then it died again after the car was off. So i pulled the alternator, had it tested, it was dead

the stress from the alternator not charging killed the battery, so i had to buy a new battery and alternator to fix the problem. Like everyone has said, get the alternator checked, then check the starter.