Car won't start. Limited with push to start.

[uEih]

My car didn't start this morning and I just thought there were issues from the cold but I tried again during my lunch and I get the same results. The engine doesn't crank but I hear clicks. I'm confused and just trying to figure out all the possible solutions before testing them out as I'm at work right now. I'm thinking it's the battery and that's probably my first test, however I don't see what would cause the battery to drain like that. The other one I've found is the engine could be flooded? If that's the case what would be a solution to a push to start car?

[gramicci101]

What year is your car? Are you still on the OEM battery? Does it get excessively hot or cold where you live? I'd go for a new battery first before looking at whether you flooded the engine.

[uEih]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

What year is your car? Are you still on the OEM battery? Does it get excessively hot or cold where you live? I'd go for a new battery first before looking at whether you flooded the engine.

2013, I am still on the OEM battery and it's been getting really cold lately here. About 30 degrees F at night. I have a feeling it's the batteries since I hear clicks and the lights do dim a bit. First try at starting i hear loud clicks and they get weak the second time around. I'm going to try to see if I could jump start, if that's the case I'll probably need a new battery if it starts. I've also heard extremely cold weather can kill a battery also.

[gramicci101]

2013 and you're on the OEM battery? That's the problem. Get it jumped, go to your local auto parts store, and swap in a new one in the parking lot. All you need is a 10mm wrench.

[86Boyz]

Originally Posted by uEih

2013, I am still on the OEM battery and it's been getting really cold lately here. About 30 degrees F at night. I have a feeling it's the batteries since I hear clicks and the lights do dim a bit. First try at starting i hear loud clicks and they get weak the second time around. I'm going to try to see if I could jump start, if that's the case I'll probably need a new battery if it starts. I've also heard extremely cold weather can kill a battery also.

yeah 3 years on the OEM battery means it's running out of juice. time to get a new battery

[norcalpb]

Also check your key battery...the car wont start when it has low juice.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by norcalpb

Also check your key battery...the car wont start when it has low juice.

But it also won't "click" like it's trying to turn over. Most likely not the keyfob battery.

[humfrz]

Also, you may wish to have the alternator checked.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/battery_runs_down.htm


humfrz

[tobin]

2013 here. My original battery died in 1.5 years and was found to have a bad cell, and was replaced under warranty (winter '14-'15). The replacement battery is currently on its way out (less than 2 years). I'll probably get an Optima next time.

[SLVRSRFR]

Gotta be the battery.

I had the same thing happen last winter and had to put a new one in as I was still on the original. It no-started on me 5 or 6 times once it started to get really cold.

[sato]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Also, you may wish to have the alternator checked.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/battery_runs_down.htm


humfrz

Good read.

[PandaSPUR]

Could also be steering wheel lock stuck, wiggle the wheel before you try starting.

I also had a faulty clutch start safety switch, car thought I didnt have the clutch in so it would just cycle through ACC and PWR modes without ignition.

Its likely your battery, but keep these two other issues in mind just in case.

[uEih]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

2013 and you're on the OEM battery? That's the problem. Get it jumped, go to your local auto parts store, and swap in a new one in the parking lot. All you need is a 10mm wrench.

Originally Posted by 86Boyz

yeah 3 years on the OEM battery means it's running out of juice. time to get a new battery

Originally Posted by SLVRSRFR

Gotta be the battery.

I had the same thing happen last winter and had to put a new one in as I was still on the original. It no-started on me 5 or 6 times once it started to get really cold.

Thanks guys, it was the battery. Jump started it fine and then went straight to auto zone and got it replaced. Everything is great now. I've read that the cold weather affects battery life and it was probably barely hanging out until the cold weather got to it. I also commute less than 20 minutes everyday and heard that's also shortens battery life when the car is used for short periods.

Originally Posted by norcalpb

Also check your key battery...the car wont start when it has low juice.

Originally Posted by Burrcold

But it also won't "click" like it's trying to turn over. Most likely not the keyfob battery.

Funny thing is, I went a day without my car because my key battery died so I just got that replaced. I guess all the batteries are going out on me at once.

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

Could also be steering wheel lock stuck, wiggle the wheel before you try starting.

I also had a faulty clutch start safety switch, car thought I didnt have the clutch in so it would just cycle through ACC and PWR modes without ignition.

Its likely your battery, but keep these two other issues in mind just in case.

Yea I did some searching and those were the other problems I would've checked for after the battery. I also heard that a blown fuse for the wheel lock could've been the issue too. Now I know what to check for next time, just wanted an all around list of things to check for before troubleshooting it so I could do it all in one session.

[pantdino]

Originally Posted by uEih

Thanks guys, it was the battery. Jump started it fine and then went straight to auto zone and got it replaced. Everything is great now. I've read that the cold weather affects battery life and it was probably barely hanging out until the cold weather got to it. I also commute less than 20 minutes everyday and heard that's also shortens battery life when the car is used for short periods.





Funny thing is, I went a day without my car because my key battery died so I just got that replaced. I guess all the batteries are going out on me at once.



Yea I did some searching and those were the other problems I would've checked for after the battery. I also heard that a blown fuse for the wheel lock could've been the issue too. Now I know what to check for next time, just wanted an all around list of things to check for before troubleshooting it so I could do it all in one session.

Most chemical reactions are slowed by cold temperatures, so the battery puts out less amps. If it's not very healthy, it might not have enough output to turn the engine over. Also thicker oil makes the engine harder to turn over, but that is probably a minimal effect here.