can get my car started today. i noticed when i turn the key for ward my safc illuminates, idiot lights come on, stereo does not. when i go to crank it, it sounds like a metal to metal sound once and the lights dim. i did a search and didn't find anyone that had a similar problem. what could this possibly be? it did it yesterday once, then started up after that. i have a dry cell battery that is about a year old. could it be something with the motor and it wont let it start just so it doesn't destroy something if there is a problem? I'll try jumping it and get back to you guys.
thanks, kevin

 

I think the sound you are hearing is the solenoid on the starter, it usually chatters if it is getting insufficient voltage. Hook up a multimeter to your bat, you should see at least 12.5 volts or so. If not, you probably need to charge or replace the battery. It could also be a host of other problems.

Do NOT keep cranking it without 15 minutes rest or you will get to buy a new starter as well.

 

15 seconds on, 2X and 30 mins rest

thats what i used when trying to start my car (but mines was cranking).

good luck

 

Hmmm, do you charge your battery?
How often do you run your car and how long do you drive for?

This happened to me a couple of times, I had to attempt to crank my car about 25-40 times before my car would start. (This happened about 8-10 months ago and has not happened ever since). I think there was some thing wrong with my grounding although I'm not 100% sure.

I would not really worry about it too much, it could have just been a fluke.

 

well, i jumped it and it runs fine, but it just wont hold. i can drive it as much as i want, but once it shuts off when i try to start it it will crank at like literally 2 rpm. could it be the alternator?

 

I'm going with the alternator.

 

Yah maybe alternator...

I also had this problem when I didnt properly ground my new amp....

 

verdict guys....battery
got a new one, everything is fine