Car problem, need help

harveyt · #1 24-11-2006, 10:16 AM

2 days ago during lunch time my car suddently refuse to start, I could hear the click sound, so I guess it means nothing related to the battery(not sure tho). I got NRMA to come and have a look and the mechanic said to me it is nothing to do with the battery and could be the problem with fuel pump or something and that is something he couldn't fix on the spot and advise me to get it towed to my mechanic. Since then I was too busy and planning to do it today, last night I give it another try and it start strightaway and I been driving for half an hours without any problem, and this morning problem again. I am planing to get NRMA to come and have another look this night (may be) see if he could figure out what's wrong with it before I get it towed. In the meanwhile, I would like to listen you guys advise and opinion or is there anything that I could try myself. thanks in advance. much appreciated.

jatsvl · #2 24-11-2006, 10:40 AM

air flow meter will do that amongst other things.

kenwstr · #3 24-11-2006, 11:30 AM

OK Well if you hear a click but it doesn't turn over, The click is the ignition relay so that is fine, confirms that you are getting power to ignition.

If you wern't, suspect the transmission selector switch on an Auto.

As it is, Suspect the starter solinoid.
I don't know about the Commodore solinoid. On an HT I had many years ago, the solinoid was part of the starter motor and easily serviced, only needed the contacts cleaned up. Easy DIY job.

Be aware that the starter on any car carries a very high current, way to high to protect with fuses. You would be dealing with an totally unprotected circuit. It is absolutely essential to totally disconnect the battery before working around the starter. Failure to do this risks a battry explosion from accidental short. Lots of acid, don't risk it.

Hoewver as always do some tests to se if you have power at the solinoid LT terminal (thin wire) when the key is turned. If you do but the starter doesnt run. The solinoid is not switching the HT circuit.

Ken

harveyt · #4 24-11-2006, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwstr

OK Well if you hear a click but it doesn't turn over, The click is the ignition relay so that is fine, confirms that you are getting power to ignition.

If you wern't, suspect the transmission selector switch on an Auto.

As it is, Suspect the starter solinoid.
I don't know about the Commodore solinoid. On an HT I had many years ago, the solinoid was part of the starter motor and easily serviced, only needed the contacts cleaned up. Easy DIY job.

Be aware that the starter on any car carries a very high current, way to high to protect with fuses. You would be dealing with an totally unprotected circuit. It is absolutely essential to totally disconnect the battery before working around the starter. Failure to do this risks a battry explosion from accidental short. Lots of acid, don't risk it.

Hoewver as always do some tests to se if you have power at the solinoid LT terminal (thin wire) when the key is turned. If you do but the starter doesnt run. The solinoid is not switching the HT circuit.

Ken

Thanks Ken. Actually, It's an manual and also it's not a commodore. My commy has been reliable since day one (thanks Holden and previous owner). I am asking this for my daily driver a little hyundai.

During lunch time, I did try to start the car and this time the car start but didn't stay idle (for less than a second) and stalled again. since then it wouldn't turn over. Also I notice the interior light became dimmer for the second I try to start the car. Do you think any chance that it's the battery losing it cranking power? the battery should be at least 2.5 years old, may be it's good to time to change it. any suggestion on the battery? the one in my car is 520CCA. and I notice the number is greater than the one usng in my commy.

For the solinoid thing, I am just not knowledgable enough to do that.

Again welcome for any opinion.

vxtra · #5 24-11-2006, 04:56 PM

an xgf of mine had asimilar problem with her hyundee.
turned out to be cam sensors or sumsuch thing.
if youve been trying to start the car with no success you may have battened the flattery. 2 1/2 years is good for battery life, so a new one wouldnt go astray.
520CCA does seem extreme. i would check it out at ur local battery shop.
battery world are pretty good.

Hairy Eater · #6 24-11-2006, 09:48 PM

it could even be just a bad earth connection.... check you battery terminals...if the engine didn't turn over..... sound like battery, starter, bad connections...

andyman · #7 24-11-2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vxtra

an xgf of mine had asimilar problem with her hyundee.
turned out to be cam sensors or sumsuch thing.
if youve been trying to start the car with no success you may have battened the flattery. 2 1/2 years is good for battery life, so a new one wouldnt go astray.
520CCA does seem extreme. i would check it out at ur local battery shop.
battery world are pretty good.

autobarn, repco and the rest usually have charts there aswell to tell ya what battery u need

harveyt · #8 27-11-2006, 09:21 AM

I got the NRMA to come and found out it was the battery losing too much cracking power. 385CCA against the supposed 520CCA. He also suggest to change the battery which I did and it's working fine now. The one that I got is 600CCA and the start up is very smooth now, not much click before turn over. I am happy. Thank you for you guys opinion. Thanks JC forum.

harveyt · #9 27-11-2006, 09:29 AM

Just to tell you guy that the first NRMA mechanic has do nothing when he came, no battery test nothing but just tell me to get it tow somewhere to fix it. The second mechanic who helped to found out the problem also did check my engine oil level and top it up for me. He spend almost half an hour for testing and explain what could go wrong and gives suggestions. Anyway, the second mechanic deserve a big thumbs up and you guys too.

Hairy Eater · #10 01-12-2006, 09:50 PM

i always fit biggest cranking power battery in my car if it's possable .... that way i've had batteries last much longer .... most times you get more battery months of life per $dollar than fitting the standard recomended one ...