Q: Car won't start and have a new batter. Got a jump and it started but when I applied the brakes the headlights and radio dim out. Car shut off and won't start again.

asked by on December 27, 2016

Has new battery .alternator ok .car wont turn over no power . Got jump start started right up but when apply breaks the feont headlights blink and radio inside goes out for second .over n over only if apply breaks shorts out .turned car off wont start again . I know when car was off door closed the door ajar light stays on all the time .mechanic checked it wasnt able disconnect it keep it off .but now this going on .

My car has 97000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

SUV hesitates when driving slowly and accelerating
If you have water in the gas, then you will have problems with the way it runs. I recommend having a fuel sample tested to see if you have water in the fuel. If you have an aftermarket air filter...
I think I got ripped off by my auto mechanic
From what you've described you may have blown the head gasket when you overheated the engine. The shop pressure tested and repaired the leaking hose but the engine may have already gotten damaged when it initially overheated. If you want...
My car has been shutting down randomly.
This could be a variety of potential issues related to lack of fuel delivery or spark. The tendency to shut down randomly and then start up again after sitting for a bit suggests potentially faulty coil packs which are known...
Misfire rough idle
Changing the radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/radiator-replacement) should not have caused a misfire (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection). Replacing the plugs and the MAP sensor was a great idea. What we commonly refer to as the O2 sensor is not located in the fuse box. There are...
Car won't start - 2003 Ford Focus
Hello. Unless the timing belt suddenly broke, which would have resulted in stalling of the engine as well as a noticeable sound from the engine, it is not likely a timing issue. If the fuel pump has power and is...
I just got a P0087 code on my Mercedes.
Hi there. A fuel filter can cause a restriction in the fuel line if the filter is plugged up. If you are getting a P0087 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0087-obd-ii-trouble-code-fuel-rail-system-pressure-too-low-by-spencer-clayton) for fuel pressure rail is low, then put a fuel pressure tester on...
A fuse kills the battery when it is left in.
It is difficult to answer without knowing whether this is a factory courtesy light. If in fact it is, the ground control side of the light should be a part of the dash light dimmer switch. This switch is an...
Will the camshaft position sensor cause my car to keep cutting off while I'm driving it?
Hi there. The camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) could cause an engine to stall out. Check the sensor and see if its plugged in. Make sure that the sensor is attached to the engine properly and make sure that the sensor...
Stabilitrak warning light
Hi There, It sounds like you may potentially have two separate issues going on here. The stabilitrak system is your car's traction control system as you may know. This will generally not cause the car to shut down completely, however...

Related articles

5 Common Reasons Why Your Car Door Isn’t Locking Properly
Are your power locks keeping you from getting into your car, or locking it when you leave? You need to know what’s...
5 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Most Most newer vehicles come equipped with anti-lock braking systems, also known as ABS, in the vehicle. ABS helps to prevent the vehicle from skidding and helps the driver to maintain control when applying the brakes. Here are the 5...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump Shut Off Switch
The switch may have tripped and must be reset if your engine suddenly stops while driving, has issues starting up, or turns over without starting.