2002 LS won't start

[pbope]

I have search numerous threads, some started out close but ended up not the issue I have so:

To start I am NOT mechanically inclined. I'm great at handing tools to someone who knows what they are doing and shaking my head in agreement with their assessment/actions. Unfortunately I don't have such a person available to me at this time.

Background - 2002 LS with 130k + miles. Full gas tank, good battery (to my knowledge)

I was topping off fluids in my driveway. Added some oil then started the car and drove it (40 ft) into my garage. All was normal and fine. I went back less than an hour later to use the car but when I attempted to start it, no go.
It sounds like (to me) that the starter is spinning but the car is not turning over.
My father in-law is very mechanical but several hundred miles from here said it sounds like the starter is turning but not engaging?

I am confused as to how it could be working perfectly then an hour later this.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[joegr]

Get someone to turn the key while you look at the belt and pulleys at the front of the engine. If you hear the quiet spinning sound of the starter, but see that the belt does not move and the pulleys are not rotating, then you will know that the solenoid on the starter has failed. If so, you will need a new starter.

If, on the other hand, the pulleys and belt do move, then the crankshaft actually is "turning over", it's just that the engine isn't starting or "firing up." In this case, the list of possible problems is much larger.

 

[pbope]

Thanks

Thank you. I will give that a go when I get home this evening.

Get someone to turn the key while you look at the belt and pulleys at the front of the engine. If you hear the quiet spinning sound of the starter, but see that the belt does not move and the pulleys are not rotating, then you will know that the solenoid on the starter has failed. If so, you will need a new starter.

If, on the other hand, the pulleys and belt do move, then the crankshaft actually is "turning over", it's just that the engine isn't starting or "firing up." In this case, the list of possible problems is much larger.

 

[pbope]

I guess my situation has changed in that now when I try to start the car the panel lights flash (heating controls etc. but nothing on the dash) as well as the flashers and horn go off albeit weakly. I tried to jump start it with no luck and the same symptoms taking place.

?? any thoughts?

 

[joegr]

I guess my situation has changed in that now when I try to start the car the panel lights flash (heating controls etc. but nothing on the dash) as well as the flashers and horn go off albeit weakly. I tried to jump start it with no luck and the same symptoms taking place.

?? any thoughts?

Yes, your battery is bad. Jumps will fail if the battery is bad, unless you have really heavy cables that are pretty short. Hardly anyone has jump start cables that are heavy enough to work if the battery is bad instead of just being low.
*: This is the most likely explanation. Yes, it is possible that it is an issue with a bad or loose cable, but the odds are it's the battery.

 

[pbope]

Again, thanks

I'm guessing AAA will have the appropriate cables so I'll give them a call.
I have never heard of a battery just going that dead in that sort a period of time.

Thanks for the input.

Yes, your battery is bad. Jumps will fail if the battery is bad, unless you have really heavy cables that are pretty short. Hardly anyone has jump start cables that are heavy enough to work if the battery is bad instead of just being low.
*: This is the most likely explanation. Yes, it is possible that it is an issue with a bad or loose cable, but the odds are it's the battery.

 

[LS4me]

I'm guessing AAA will have the appropriate cables so I'll give them a call.
I have never heard of a battery just going that dead in that sort a period of time.

Thanks for the input.

In my 3 experiences, when the battery goes it goes quickly and fatally! Check and make sure your alternator is charging the battery sufficiently; ~14.4V when running.

 

[pbope]

Just thought I would share my resolution in case others find themselves in a similar situation.
Bottom line I used the car then an hour later went to use it again and it was dead. I had never hear of a battery going dead that quickly. (The car was just sitting, no lights or other electrical systems were left on.)
It was the original battery that came with the car and it looked to be in pristine condition.
AAA tried to jump it with no luck. replaced the battery and still the car wouldn't start (750 Cold cranking amps) until we added AAA's jumper cables. Once it started everything was back to normal.

Thanks for your input, joegr

 

[joegr]

...It was the original battery that came with the car and it looked to be in pristine condition...

It is pretty rare for a car battery to last for 12 years.
Now, watch out for the alternator...

 

[regiment1]

It is pretty rare for a car battery to last for 12 years.
Now, watch out for the alternator...

Yeah, that's how mine went. Battery lasted 9 years, then went kaput. About 6 months later I had to replace the alternator. I know correlation is not causation, but still....

 

[1LoudLS]

actually when either the battery or alternator goes bad, if not caught and fixed immediately, witch ever one goes out first usually takes the other one out.

In my 3 experiences, when the battery goes it goes quickly and fatally!

same here, my battery went from starting the car without any problems to not being able to start the car at all in one day (granted, the temperature also went from cold to f'ing arctic over that night)

OP: don't forget the last time that battery actually started that car, you used a lot of energy to start the car, and only drove the car 40' into the garage, so the motor did not run long enough to recharge the battery power that was used to start.


I also agree, that its kinda amazing that your original battery lasted 12 years! I was surprised that I got 9 out of mine...