View Full Version : My car only starts with a jump and I just got a new battery
sabrina_b
Apr 29, 2011, 09:49 AM
My car only starts with a jump and I just got a new battery. I thought it was the terminals connected to the battery because the positive one was cracked, so I replaced that. I would work but only with a jump. So I thought bad battery. I got a new battery started up fine the first time but now it won't start. And whenever I get a jump it starts right away, but when it doesn't start there's a loud click click click noise that repeats itself and it sounds like its coming from the wheel wel. I'm lost thought it was the battery
TxGreaseMonkey
Apr 29, 2011, 12:19 PM
You may need to clean the negative battery cable, including where it attaches to the car. Afterwards, apply dielectric grease. When you jump the car, you are providing another ground, which may be better than the normal one. If the problem persists, replace the negative battery cable.
Brand new batteries should be charged, before installation. For example, the last Sear Diehard Gold battery I bought had to be charged for several hours. Most auto parts stores will do this for free. This is the proper way to do it, since alternators are battery maintainers, not chargers. Not doing this is hard on the alternator and can burn them out.
It's best not to jump modern-day cars, since a voltage spike can destroy the ECM (computer), alternator, and/or various sensors. Likewise, not connecting the jumper cables properly can quickly do the same. Many on this site have found this out the hard way.
sabrina_b
Apr 29, 2011, 01:42 PM
Lol not a new car. I have a 1986 mecury grand marquis 8cyl
andy100405
Apr 30, 2011, 08:20 PM
Sounds like you need a new alternator to me that's what I always had to do on my 1990 chevy and my 1985 ford
sabrina_b
May 2, 2011, 07:56 AM
Did what greesemonkey said its been working since then with no problems thanks (:
Carnoobs
Dec 3, 2012, 01:39 PM
I just had the same problem solved it using GreaseMonkey suggestion Thanks!
random1970
Aug 31, 2013, 01:34 AM
Another thank you to GreaseMonkey. Cleaned the negative terminals and the ground, then applied lanolin grease afterwards to keep water out. Started without any issues whatsoever. :)