2000 SLE won't turn on?

[firstbonnei1994]

Ok so this is the fourth time it happened.

Everytime it has happened, i am able to turn on my head unit, headlights work and what not.

1st: won't turn on, jump started, fine.

After a week 2nd time: same thing, jump started 2-3 times didnt work, left the car like this for 2 days, about to call the mechanic decided to give one last try, started perfectly. Took it to the mechanic, he said everything is fine, though the battery wire was loose, but he said if that was the issue it wouldnt have started (he tightened it though)

After 2 months 3rd time: Same thing happened, but after a couple pumps to gas pedal it started (we had storm sandy here and it was a day after, so maybe water went inside?)

After a week 4th time: Not starting, same thing i can turn on my head unit and headlights/

What is really the cause? I checked the battery wires and they seem to be fine. Any opinions? If it was battery, jump start should get it started and the headlights wont turn, and if it was alternator, then it wouldnt turn on at all unlike those couple times before. Please help me out

[PaulyGXP]

So when you turn the key forward to start, does it do anything? click? turn-over? nothing?

[firstbonnei1994]

Yes it clicks, and all the lights on dashboard turn on.

UPDATE: I jump started and after couple times turning it on and pushing the gas pedal it started. Drove for 5 mins and the battery was charging fine, had everything off (lights, stereo) to minimize battery usuage.

2 hrs later, it wouldnt start again. I haven't jump started again, but could it be the battery? I dont know cause it wouldnt charge or something.

[firstbonnei1994]

Bump.
Update: Took the battery out and got it charged, still same thing. What else could it be?

[Mechanical Mike]

You still haven't made it clear whether or not the starter is turning over the engine when it doesn't start.

[01bonneSC]

This thread is confusing.

[firstbonnei1994]

Basically when the key goes from off to on all the electrical items work. Headlights work radio and what not, but once you put it to start nothing happens. It's not battery cause I got it charged and same thing. Though its weird that I got it Jump started and it worked but now jump starting isn't working either. No security light on either.

From what I understand it can't be starter or battery. What else could it be?

Sorry don't know much about cars so having hard time explaining it.

[01bonneSC]

Have you had anyone rap on the starter with a hammer when it wont start?

[01bonneSC]

Also, did the mechanic actually test the battery with a battery tester?

[firstbonnei1994]

Nope no one did that and the battery was taken to advance auto parts. He said it had a low charge then after 35 mins it said it was charged and the meter said good battery

[01bonneSC]

What date is punched out on the label of the battery?

[00Beast]

Sounds like a classic bad starter to me.

[firstbonnei1994]

The date is 6/11 on the battery.

Idk if it is the starter cause last time it happened it didn't turn on for two days then after it did without jumpsrtarting.

Also the day before yesterday I jump started and bit after an hour it wouldn't start.

Idk what it is but I'm guessing whatever it is, has a mind of its own. Maybe loose wire or current not being through sometimes?

[Mechanical Mike]

It really does sound like the starter is going. Either the brushes or the solenoid aren't making a good electrical connection every time.

You are correct that it’s possible to have enough current for lights & radio but not enough for the starter

If you want to diagnose this more then you should check for 12 volts (when the key is turned to start) at the small wire on the starter solenoid. You should also double/triple check the battery connections. Also check where the negative battery cable connects to the floor board. Remove any rust/corrosion with sandpaper or a wire brush. A light coat of dielectric grease will help prevent corrosion from returning.

If you have 12 volts at the small wire & are sure the connections are good then you need a new starter. Oh yeah – make sure you can rotate the harmonic balancer before replacing the starter.

[firstbonnei1994]

yeah thats what it seems like. I just went to my car to give it a try one more time just for my satisfaction....and it turns on! I drove for 10 mins and stopped, turned back on, works!

I took it to advance auto parts to get my starter checked, and they said they can't come out at night so i am gonna have to take it tomorrow morning.

If anyone else thinks it might some other issue so let me know, but I am leaning towards the started as Mike stated. THanks everyone for their help

[firstbonnei1994]

Ok now i came back from driving and started again and it wont start. The only thing I didnt do this time before turning off the car since it has started was pushing the gas pedal down a few times. I don't think it should make a difference. Could it be something else or it has to be starter?

[motorcitybuick]

I may or may not have the same problem. I turn the key, no crank at all...no click...nothing but the guages sweeping., but all guages and electrical comes on. It is almost like it "thinks" the car is running. After about 1-50 times, it starts perfectly fine. Sound the same as yours, OP? 2002 bonne se here.

[00Beast]

Definitely starter. When you turn the key to "ON" it sweeps the gauges no matter if you start it or not.

[Trinity]

Starter and/or ground, but don't rule out the battery until it's been loaded tested. (You must do this before you move on to other stuff) Sometimes a battery will take a charge and show proper voltage, but a couple of cells are close to short internally, when you put a load on it they short and your get nothing.

In one post you said you tried to jump it and it wouldn't start... did it turn over? If it did then I would still look at battery or grounds,(With another possible fault in the mix) If it did not turn over at all I would look at starter and grounds.

Trin

[mdrew]

sounds like a starter to me as well. Happened to me before I at first didn't think so, threw a starter in it and started right up.