FR-S Won't Start - Starter / Alternator (?)
 

Got out of work went to my car, it turned on fine and I started to leave... I reached into my pocket thinking I forgot my phone so I shut the car off, walked about 10 feet and then realized my phone was in my backpack...

When I went back to my car it wouldn't turn on...

When I turn the ignition all of the lights on the dash come on, headlights work, interior lights work etc., but I hear an incessant tapping noise and the car won't crank... I tried jumping the car for the hell of it and still had the same issue.

Though when I did leave the car and come back it got a little gas before the ticking noise started and the car failed to crank again...

Is this a starter / alternator problem? Anything I can try while standing in the parking lot?

It's 10:00 pm on the east coast so I'm pretty much resigned to leaving the car in the lot for the night...

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Also - forgive my lack of knowledge but... would a standard towing company have a tow hook / be capable of towing a FR-S?

Or would I have to invest in a tow hook first?


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edit: I have a quarter tank of gas...

:- [

Why don't you try to push start the car first? Before you call for Towing Services.

Sorry could you explain?

This is an auto btw, the car is parked facing a wall (not sure if any of that is relevant lol) - regardless I wouldn't be calling until the morning

You have a towhook in your trunk under the trunk floor panel.

There are two options for towing companies. Flat bed or dolly tow trucks will work fine.

Check the parking lock and see if it is fully in park, or try starting it in neutral. It's pretty odd that it would start, and then suddenly not start.

https://youtu.be/iDW08ejOKnU

Video... I tried jumping again, this time when I turned on the car the oil and battery lights game on the dash, others didnt.

And dome center light would randomly blink...

Damn must be a day for starter problems I had some too, you said you tried a Jump? Try hooking up a battery from another car, leave your fans off on both cars. Rev the other car alittle. But don't turn on your car, wait at least 3-5 mins. Then turn it on, I had this happen to me earlier today, the problem
Was the battery it might have a bad cell. I hope it will start for you, and if it does tomorrow get your battery tested if the car still runs if not, see if replacing it helps. Good luck

Well, @02.ACCORD.DUDE I reckon your battery is dead or the post corroded and isn't allowing the electricity to flow.

Easy enough to check with a voltmeter.

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

Now, if the battery is really low .. and you jump it, it may start, but if the battery is dead it will not run the car long .. maybe just a few minutes.

So, why did the battery die ..... sometimes they die of old age ..... most of the time it's because the alternator is not keeping it charged up.

So, to tell if the alternator is working, see above link.

I'd suggest you have a shop "load test" the battery. If it doesn't pass, get a new one. If it passes, have them slow charge it back up to speed. Also, have the shop check the alternator to see if it's charging the battery. If it isn't get a new (or remanufactured) one.

Remember, the alternator will not re-charge a drained battery ..... it just replaces the electrons used (unless you run the car, with no other accessories working, for many ah mile).

I hope you get er going soon.


humfrz

Thanks for the responses, so if the car starts tomorrow... it's likely a battery issue as the alternator was able to charge it? But if it's still the same issue... It could be that either the alternator or the alternator and the battery are crapped up? (If not something else all together which would be a worst case scenario!)

(I'm trying to debate whether to just grab a battery and replace it myself... or just bite the bullet and tow to dealer to have then to their thing...)

...what's the battery specs for the stock automatic? (I'm a wreck, going to call it a night :lol: and come up with action plan tomorrow...)

Just tow it back to the dealership if your car is still under new car warranty. Hope you got AAA for towing. Sometimes it's just easier to let stealership replace and install the battery for you. ;)

Your battery is low/dead. Or terminals are corroded.

If you change the battery and it won't hold charge well, then you have a problem with your charging circuit.

-alex

Will check terminals when I get there, but didn't notice any buildup / residue at all...

I'm wondering if the on-off-on sequench blew a fuse...

I'm shit out of luck on both accounts I'm afraid... Luckily there's a dealership 15 min, 5 miles away.

The car is on the top floor of the parking deck though so... Uh this will be interesting if I request a tow... :- |