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Second opinion] My car ran fine yesterday. I tried to sta...


Second opinion] My car ran fine yesterday. I tried to start it today and lights came on but nothing. About 20 mins later it started right up. I have a 2003 chevy impala. I have a new starter and battery is about 3 years old. What ...

Second opinion] My car ran fine yesterday. I tried to start it today and lights came on but nothing. About 20 mins later it started right up. I have a 2003 chevy impala. I have a new starter and battery is about 3 years old. What do I need to do so I don't have this problem anymore Mechanic's Assistant: Just to clarify, what are the exact lights you're talking about? Headlights backlights and radio worked fine Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Impala yourself? What have you tried so far? Yes I have a new starter and I put a new belt on it I also have a new fan relay new rack and pinion for the steering column Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? I also have had issues with the steering sometimes it is tight when I make right or left and turns and sometimes it's not

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Responses

Automotive Expert
Hello there, I am Cam. I am licensed automotive technician with more than 18 years experience. As an expert on the site, I only have access to your question. Any billing questions or concerns would require a customer service specialist. A couple things before we get going; - I am around most days but not every minute of every day. If you reply while I am offline, I will respond when I am next online. -I am a Firefighter/Paramedic which might require me to drop and run at any time without warning. If this happens, I will reply as soon as I am able to. -The website will automatically offer a phone call. Some times they are beneficial, sometimes not. I am sorry to hear you are having troubles with your vehicle. While I am looking at your question, can you tell me who I have the pleasure of assisting today?

Jodi
Automotive Expert
Jodi, when this happens, does the check [engine](/topics-engine-chevy/) light come on with the key? Did the starter engage?

Nothing happened starter didn't engage
Automotive Expert
Ok, but the lights all came on with the key as they normally do?

the radio was on as wellBf is at work with the car now just trying to troubleshoot while he is there
Automotive Expert
Ok, so I would suspect either the starter itself is failing or the ignition switch housing which holds the security sensor is failing. When it is happening we need to see if you can hear a click under the hood at the starter.If you hear the click then your starter is faulty and needs to be replaced. IF not then see if the security light in the dash is flashing. IF so then you need the security sensors.

We replaced the starter about two months ago. It shouldn't be faulty already right?
Automotive Expert
You would think it should be good, but parts fail and new parts fail,so we cannot rule it out just yet.

OkI don't hear a click when he tried to start it earlier.Didn't I should say
Automotive Expert
OK, Do you have a test light? If so then it is best to test at the small stud at the starter when the key is in the start position. If there is no power there, then we need to start checking other places such as the starter relay, or the neutral safety switch. If there is power at that stud then you likely need a new starter if the battery and cables to the starter from the battery are good.

I don't have a test light. I will have to figure it out more when he comes home from work today. Was just trying to figure something out before he got home.
Automotive Expert
Ok.

Thanks for the help
Automotive Expert
you are most welcome

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