Can't get it started

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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driverjohn2005
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Can't get it started

Post by driverjohn2005 »

I tried jumping Gravenge for a good 15 minutes tonight with no luck. She has sat for a while now; but have NEVER had this much of an issue. I have a fresh Optima battery and alternator as of last year. The starter is clicking so it's trying to start...

Suggestions anyone?
-driverjohn2005
"Gravenge" -1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi- Sold 4/29/12 to "myfirstbonnie"
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BillBoost37
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by BillBoost37 »

Disconnect the battery and charge it at 2amps for 24 hours straight. If anything will revive it that will do the trick. It's part of the GM FSM's and recommended for a partially or fully dead battery.
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harofreak00
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by harofreak00 »

Are you sure it isn't the relay clicking? The starters don't click, they just start or don't start. This will happen if there isn't enough juice to start the car. You might not have been getting a good connection at the jump.
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velvetdreams21
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by velvetdreams21 »

harofreak00 wrote:Are you sure it isn't the relay clicking? The starters don't click, they just start or don't start. This will happen if there isn't enough juice to start the car. You might not have been getting a good connection at the jump.

Also make sure the battery cables are tight. A week ago my car wasnt starting but I heard clicking, the radio played real loud with the lights on no problem so I thought the starter was messed up again. Sounded weird to me to find out thats why my car wasnt starting but they were tightened and it started right up
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by LakevilleSSEi »

Startes will click when the starter pushes the gear out to the flywheel, but not enough to turn the motor.

Try what Bill said, pull the batterry and charge it for a day or two at a 2 amp trickle charge...you battery and alternator will love you for it.
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by Cooey »

Another thing to try is to ensure that the starter's bolts are tight to the motor; my were loose which affected the grounding of the starter and then I had issues like yours.
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by driverjohn2005 »

I don't have a battery charger but will probably get one this weekend. Thanks for the imput everyone. I appreciate it!
-driverjohn2005
"Gravenge" -1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi- Sold 4/29/12 to "myfirstbonnie"
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by ColdScrip »

I will add that my starter would click and it sometimes took many clicks to actually start the car. Until finally it wouldn't start no matter what. It did turn out to be a bad starter. It lasted with the click problem for about a year.
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by 2000Silverbullet »

You need a Battery Tender John.
I have one always connected to my stored battery.

The battery will discharge after a few months of sitting.
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by Billha »

Sounds like it could be a weak battery, corroded or loose battery cables, or a bad starter. I'd start by using a fully charged battery and checking the battery cable connections.
Last edited by Billha on Thu Nov 13, 2008 12:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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driverjohn2005
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Re: Can't get it started

Post by driverjohn2005 »

Gravenge is happily back in the garage now. I did a charge all last night and today. INSTANTLY fired off tonight :twisted:

Had to just listen to the sound system for a bit. I miss having a decent system in the vehicle I drive (aka; the Explorer's system SUCKS!)

Thanks guys! :)
-driverjohn2005
"Gravenge" -1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi- Sold 4/29/12 to "myfirstbonnie"
Current Rides: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT AWD & 1999 Ford F-150 Lariat 4x4 SuperCab
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