H-Fist
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 6,485
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Post by H-Fist on Jan 3, 2008 5:44:58 GMT -5
So I drive an 89 Buick. Bought it for $700, have driven cross country in it a couple times. Only problem I had was a starter 3 months ago. Three nights ago, after a decent snow, I cleaned the car off, started it up, and ran a couple errands. No problem. The next day, about 20 hours later, there's been more snow. I start to clean off the car and try to start it. No dice. It won't turn over. It just sputters, but won't actually start. I figure, maybe with the cold it just doesn't want to go. Today, it was warmer. I tried again. And it sounded worse. When I stop trying to start it, but leave the key "on", the check engine and the battery light both stay on. To make matters worse, for some reason the hood won't pop open for me to try to just jump the damn thing from my mom's car.
Does this sound like a battery thing? Any tricks for popping the hood (the tab to open it is to the left of the steering wheel; the wire is connected, but pulling it isn't opening the hood)? And assuming there isn't a serious problem, should I really risk the next 1000 mile drive I have planned, moving out west? Any advice is appreciated.
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Post by FrankGotch on Jan 3, 2008 6:10:15 GMT -5
If its been cold out you most likely just need a jump. If that does not work try using some ether to get it going.
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Grendel
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
But ... why is all the rum gone?
Posts: 17,593
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Post by Grendel on Jan 3, 2008 6:27:29 GMT -5
If its been cold out you most likely just need a jump. If that does not work try using some ether to get it going. Be very careful with ether or starting fluid. I've seen it do bad, bad things when you use too much of it. |
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Post by 'Foretold' Joker on Jan 3, 2008 11:41:48 GMT -5
It might be just that the connectors between the battery and the car are loose. A simple turn of the wrench to tighten them might sort out your problem.
Also always make sure all your electrics are off over night, that includes leaving the radio on standby as that can drain a car battery.
As for opening the bonnet, I don't have any advise.
If you get it started again, I can;t see too much of problem making your journey as you will know how to fix it should it go wrong.
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Post by i.Sarita.com on Jan 3, 2008 11:58:36 GMT -5
Anyone want to buy my 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE? It runs great, I just hate it...
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"Hollywood" Cactus Matt
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Post by "Hollywood" Cactus Matt on Jan 3, 2008 13:42:58 GMT -5
Anyone want to buy my 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE? It runs great, I just hate it... How much? And how can we get it to me? |
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H-Fist
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 6,485
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Post by H-Fist on Jan 3, 2008 14:44:36 GMT -5
thanks for the help, folks.
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Cranjis McBasketball
Crow T. Robot
Knew what the hell that thing was supposed to be
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Post by Cranjis McBasketball on Jan 3, 2008 15:17:17 GMT -5
When you turn the key "on" the check engine and battery lights are supposed to come on. The problem is once you get it started if they stay on.
As far as getting a jump, just find a friend with jumper cables. You don't need ether or starting fluid. You hook one end up to a good battery, the other up to your battery and fire your car up. Remove the cables.
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Post by Gopher Mod on Jan 3, 2008 17:29:55 GMT -5
It may be your starter, man. I had this issue back in November (before the engine decided to expire mid last month), and it was not fun at all. Get a jump for your car, and then get it to your nearest auto parts store, and see if they can't help you install one. As for cost, expect one to be about $90-120 (depending on what make of car and what engine it has) for a good one.
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Cranjis McBasketball
Crow T. Robot
Knew what the hell that thing was supposed to be
Peace Love and Nothing But
Posts: 41,952
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Post by Cranjis McBasketball on Jan 3, 2008 20:17:31 GMT -5
If you hear a clicking sound while trying to turn it over, it's your battery. If no clicking, it's not your battery.
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H-Fist
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 6,485
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Post by H-Fist on Jan 3, 2008 21:56:50 GMT -5
It isn't the starter; that's been replaced 3 months ago and this is a different problem, different sound, etc. I would jump it, but the mechanism that releases the hood isn't working. I have jumper cables, I have my mom's car. But I can't get to the battery to try. Basically I need to get under my car with a bent out coat hanger and try to slip it up and catch the mechanism at the front of the hood and release it. Until I can do that, I won't be able to go to the step of diagnosing. I'm hoping that the weather here is the cause of the hood not opening, as opposed to the wire being caught someplace.
I can hear clicking and the cough and sputter of the car trying to turn over.
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Post by i.Sarita.com on Jan 4, 2008 11:11:50 GMT -5
Anyone want to buy my 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE? It runs great, I just hate it... How much? And how can we get it to me? 2000 bucks and I'll tie it to hot air baloons and hope it floats the right way... |
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TOTB - Think Outside The Box
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Post by TOTB - Think Outside The Box on Jan 4, 2008 14:42:07 GMT -5
Try hitting the hood near where the catch release is, on the top...that might jar it open. Of course, make sure you have the lever pulled to open the hood.
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