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Starting Problem


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domin212
New User

Apr 11, 2007, 3:34 PM

Post #1 of 2 (1245 views)
Starting Problem Sign In

I know about nothing about cars, but I do know this was my first car I bought new and I have tried my best to maintain it very well, so I am quite dissapointed that it already has a problem. I have an 04 Cavalier with 68,000 miles. When I tried to start it this evening, all I got was a clicking sound for several tries. Finally when it seemed like I held the key in the starting position for a bit longer the car "caught" and the engine seriously revved. I drove the car for about 20 - 30 minutes then stopped at the store, partially to see if this was a repeat problem. The car did the same thing again, but it started on the first time (I think because i held the key in the starting position for longer) and the engine revved again. I don't have a lot of extra money these days, so I am trying to pinpoint the problem so as to prevent getting ripped off, or potentially getting ripped off on repairs.


(This post was edited by domin212 on Apr 11, 2007, 3:34 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 12, 2007, 7:28 AM

Post #2 of 2 (1238 views)
Re: Starting Problem Sign In

A single click suggests a battery connection problem at either battery or cable ends. Multiple clicks suggest low amps available for the start up.

Check driver's door jam for month and year the car was made. That is probably how old the battery is and 3+ years their available power can drop off by lots. Some do some don't at that age but it is a marker for when battery problems are much more common.

If you do get a battery or have one done for you, do use a "memory saver" to avoid some grief. You said you bought the car new so you should know if it is the first battery or not. If you have replaced it some testing would be called for,

T







 
 
 






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