Q: My car has no power, won't start, and won't take jump start - 2006 Cadillac DTS

asked by on November 10, 2016

I have a 2006 Cadillac DTS I put a brand new battery in last week and change the serpentine belt car drove fine up until this week no warning no alternator light or anything like that I went to work I turned it off and came back out after work to crank it and it was dead no dash lights no accessory lights no horn no headlights nothing I tried to jump start it when I put the cables on it sparked as if something was hooked up incorrectly and the jumper cables got really really warm to the touch so I had it towed home I tried to charge the battery and the same thing happened the charging prongs got really hot so I unhooked it and the car still has no power

My car has 98000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. The more issues you have like sparking and excessive heat while trying to charge the battery, the more likely you are to damage it. Since it is brand new, do not attempt to jump start it again until you find what the issue is. You are going to want to turn your attention to the alternator and charging system.

Have it removed and bench tested. It may have one or several issues including a bad ground, faulty voltage regulator, or failed alternator all together. You will also want to take a good look at the battery cables and alternator circuit. Make sure all connections are clean, dry, and tight.

I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the car is not starting and suggest the needed repairs.

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

How do I make a call with a number?
Making a call with a paired phone is very easy: 1. Press the Phone Send button. 2. Following the tone, say “Call”. 3. Following the prompt, say “Phone Number”. If the number you wish to call is more than 10...
Truck won't start.
If you have spark and you have fuel pressure then the only thing left to test is the fuel injectors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-injector). You will need to have a fuel injector noid light to connect to the injector connectors to see if...
Front end bouncing while turning from a stop
Hello there. Thanks for writing in about your 2003 BMW 745i. Many different faults can cause the vehicle to have bounce like this. The most common would be front struts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/strut-assembly-replacement), springs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-springs-replacement), tire balance, or a suspension arm. I...
Mercury Gr Marc 2001 "CHECK ENGINE" light turned on. What do I need to get checked
Hello. You'll need to attach a Diagnostic Code Reader (aka, a "scanner") to a terminal beneath the dashboard of your car, which will read out Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). These Codes usually offer critical clues as to what the underlying...
Steering wheel stiff when parking
Hey there. The two main components for your power steering system are the steering pump and the rack & pinion steering unit. If the power steering pump was run low on fluid for a period of time, it may have...
I'm unable to start my car.
Hi there: There could be multiple issues going on your Toyota RAV 4 that could have caused it to stall and to not start now. The first thing that comes to mind is that you have a crankshaft position sensor...
On a 2008 enclave there is a p0018 code. How do you know if it's a failed sensor or timing chain?
Hi there. Locate the crankshaft position sensor and check for power to it with the key on. If there is power, then with using a paper clip to back probe the wiring with the plug installed on the sensor, check...
my car rear wheels are slanted
The preferred camber setting in the rear for the 1998 Mirage is -0.69 degrees. However, camber in the rear on this vehicle can be in the range of -1.19 to -.19 and still be acceptable. If your camber setting is...
As soon as I start up the car and I press the brake I hear a beep sound and my right low beam headlight goes out.
The chime that you are hearing is for a brake light or a headlight that is burned out or shutting off. The brake system could have a problem and shorting out with the headlight circuit and the right headlight could...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Even Even with hybrids being all the rage these days, you might find it hard to imagine a full-size SUV embracing this new tech. However, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid should be all that it takes to show you what’s...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt
Common signs include a ticking noise coming from the engine, an engine that won't turn over, engine misfires, and oil leaking in front of the motor.
The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Maintain
Luxury cars, such as BMWs, are the most expensive and Toyotas are the most cost efficient. Driving style also affects car maintenance costs.