Q: Changed battery. Interior lights, radio, alarmcame on but wouldn't let me push start button. Why not start?

asked by on August 15, 2016

Changed battery. Interior lights, radio, alarm came on but wouldn't let me push start button. Couldn't lock the car either. Why couldn't the car start? It was like a security thing was keeping car on lock down.

My car has 159000 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

Car will not start because of electric problem
The theft deterrent system on your vehicle has a module that needs to see a key that belongs to the vehicle to turn on the ignition so your vehicle can start. While looking at the theft light on the dash...
When im driving the steering wheel start shaken when i get up to speeds to 50 or 60 and its the driver side
From what you've described, you may just have a wheel balance problem where a weight came off. This could also happen if you used tire stop sealant for a leak in your tire. These will both cause excessive vibration above...
My automatic 2009 Jeep Wrangler shows 4 codes: P0562, P0306, C00377 & B2100.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I would suggest replacing the battery first. A battery at 10V usually means one of the cells has failed. The P0306 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0306-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-6-misfire-detected-by-jay-safford) points out a misfire on cylinder 6. Since it is only...
Brakes
This may be due to a lack of brake fluid or potentially brake pads needing to be replaced. Your brake reservoir has a sensor in it that detects the brake fluid level and relays this to the computer. When the...
Normal operating voltage?
Most vehicles require at least 13 volts to operate properly. Ideal voltage is 13.8 - 14.4 volts. 14.5 volts is completely acceptable and should cause no issues.
ABS issue??
Hello, thank you for writing in. When you make a hard stop, the majority of the stress gets put onto the brake pads and the rotors. While other components can absolutely be effected, these are what we have designed to...
Variable valve timing
The protocol depends on the codes that have set, which are quite varied. Problems with these systems on your particular model and year can stem from blocked oil passages to failed solenoids (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-variable-valve-timing-vvt-solenoid) to wiring harness issues, not to mention...
Had a water pump on 2012 Toyota Camry replaced earlier this month by a your mechanic mechanic, now same issue as before, weep hole
Hi there. I've forwarded your question to our sales and service department, who will be able to look up your service to determine what can be done to resolve this issue. They should be contacting you soon. Thanks
My 2015 ford fusion is stuck in neutral
You should check the shift cable is attached at the transmission and at the shifter mechanism. If the cable is off then you will need to have cable replaced. If cable is not disconnected then have someone move shifter back...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota Corolla
Not Not only does the 2012 Toyota Corolla continue to be one of the best-selling compact sedans in the United States, but it also continues to maintain very high resale values. If you want a car that you’ll get your...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If Safety is #1
Maybe Maybe you’re a parent buying the first car for your teenager, or perhaps you’re a new parent and the safety of your little one is of the utmost importance. Or perhaps you're a safety-minded individual looking to make a...
How to Charge a Dead Car Battery
The battery in your car can go dead for any number of reasons leaving you stranded. It can be low from lights being...