Q: Changed battery car won't start

asked by on February 19, 2017

Help! I took the battery out of my car. I put it back, all connections are tight. Keyless start wouldn't work. Used the key. Turned it on and some of the lights on the dash were flashing. The drivers side window rolled down but no auto function. Passenger side wouldn't work at all. Turned the car off and tried to turn it back on and now it won't start

My car has 84000 miles.

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See if any diagnostic trouble codes were set via the OBD-II on board diagnostics. Prior to performing diagnostics be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery. Confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the immobilizer system is on, you may see a security warning light. If the warning light is on, to temporarily override the immobilizer system, see these instructions. If there is no starter motor operation at all, that is if there is no starter operation with the key held in the "start" position, the procedure is to test for power to the starter motor. If there is no power, then the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault (or, somehow the immobilizer system is on). That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. Basically, with a fully charged battery, and with the key held in the "start" position, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. With the key in the "start" position, if the starter motor is getting power but the starter doesn’t work, then the starter is condemned and replaced. Note that starters can and sometimes do develop intermittent faults due to bad spots on the armature. The bottom line is if there is battery voltage to the starter (and no excessive voltage drop) and yet the starter doesn’t work, it’s dead. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this, please request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get the problem diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

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