My car wants to start but won't
Asked by CameronW Oct 25, 2016 at 04:06 PM about the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My car won't start. When I put the key in and
turn it over it makes a click (almost
hesitation type of) noise and at the same
time when I try to turn it over the lights turn
off in my car. Is it the battery or the starter? I
disconnected the battery and let it be for like
30 minutes but, the battery also only has
525 cold cranking amps and 655 cranking
amps. I drive a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Gt
3.8 cylinder not supercharged
10 Answers
Spark plug/battery/batter plus and minus cables,
This is probably either your started or your battery. The clicking sound is your starter trying to turn the motor over, If you can, test the battery with a battery tester, they are pretty cheap, or you should be able to take the battery out and take it to your local auto-parts store and have them test it for you, if the battery is good than its probably your starter as long as you are getting fuel, If you can't test your battery find someone to jump start the car, if that doesn't work it means it is not your battery. Spark plugs are usually durable and last a long time especially the iridium spark plugs that are factory for Grand Prix's , that's why I would start with the battery and starter, just a warning don't jump start the car for too long if your battery is good it could hurt the electrical system in the car, also these batteries can be a little difficult to get in and out.
And make sure the battery cables are tight to the battery. If you can move them at all tighten them before you do anything. After that have the battery load tested as has been suggested. Starter is unlikely if its making that clicking sound although it is a possibility. have it tested first before you buy a new one though. They're not cheap and don't often fail. It's definitely not spark plugs.
Battery is nowhere near enough for that car. Need at least 650 CCA and 800 to 950 ca
It's been 8 months. I'm guessing he's got it sorted out by now.
My cars a 2001 gtp doing the exact same thing did you ever get the answer?
My car is doing the same exact thing...i had my battery tested...the autozone clerk says the battery is bad but it has a 93% charge...is it aupposed to still crank my car up?
I would think so, but you need a battery anyway so replace it and see what happens. All modern cars need a strong battery to make their various electrical systems work properly. It's not like the old days when you could limp along with a weak battery for quite a while if you had to.
