cody205

ok, i dont really know much about cars , but I am TRYING to learn so please dont flame me for this. Also, I know where the search button is, but I'm going to ask my question anyways. if an engine wont crank, it HAS to be something electrical, yes? and if so, please give me suggestions as to WHAT might be the problem?

cody205

p.s. the car has been sitting since june. it started the fine on june 18th when i left. now im back and the battery, and engine bay fuses are fine.. the dome light inside turns on, however the engine wont turn over, the turn signals dont work, and the windshield wipers dont work either, if that helps a little bit more to pinpoint the problem?

Jpk3200

Can you push start it?

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Is the dome light kind of dim? Try jump starting it with someone who knows how to hook up jumper cables. Note that the battery (+) terminal on our cars has a black cover, so make sure the helper looks at the terminal symbols on the battery. Batteries loose charge over time when you don't use the car (to a varying degree, based on age and what's draining it, like alarms, etc.). Good place to start, IMHO.

ericgrau

iTrader: (1)

Check battery voltage when you turn it on. It should be 12. If not then it looks like you have a dead battery or a bad battery. Jump it and see if that helps.

When you turn the key it's normally 10 (if the starter is turning), but it'll drop lower than 10 if the starter is jammed/shorted/etc. I'd guess bad starter if so. Verify the problem (I dunno how) and if so you get a new one.

If the starter isn't getting power at all, it'll stay at 12 volts when you turn the key. Then it might be the starter solenoid or a problem with the ignition switch/etc. In that case you'd replace the bad part or connection.

Other than that I can't think of what could be wrong unless a battery/starter/ground cable is disconnected.