Q: My car starts only after sliding battery side to side, why?

asked by on October 18, 2017

The only way to start my car is to move the battery side to side then turn the key.

My car has 138000 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 cutting off while driving
This could be a fuel delivery issue, but it is hard to say exactly. Your vehicle has a complex engine control system that can self diagnose issues most of the time. Start by having the computer read and see if...
keeps running after Off
Hello. This is a common problem with GM vehicles. The ignition gets stuck in the run position and the car will continue to run even though you have turned it and the key came out. This problem is most easily...
Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2012 Nissan 370Z. The clutch assembly shouldn't be worn out at 50,000 miles unless the vehicle has been abused. There are many concerns for vehicles that match your model year with the...
My car is overheating and leaking from somewhere - 2005 Nissan Altima
Hello. You may have a leaking water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) or cooling fans (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-radiator-fan-motor-replacement) that are not working. I recommend having the cooling system performance tested and pressure tested by a qualified mechanic. Since it is overheating (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection) already, you may...
car not sounding and running properly
Most likely the loss of power after your oil change is just a coincidence. It is possible they checked your air filter and disconnected a sensor on accident. If this is the case, there should be a Check Engine Light...
What might cause the engine oil level to be low without any leakage?
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There could be a leak in the engine oil cooler to the radiator or a blown head gasket between the engine oil gallery and coolant jacket. Check the radiator to see if the...
Truck with P0707 code - 2011 Isuzu NQR
Hello - if you are still getting the P0707 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0707-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-range-sensor-circuit-low-input-by-spencer-clayton) code after replacing the range sensor switch, either the new sensor switch is out of adjustment still, or the wiring/connection to that sensor is malfunctioning. I would recommend a transmission...
having times when I'm stopped at a light and my Hyundai Accent Sedan 2010 loses power. Sometimes takes a while to restart.
If I interpret what you say correctly, it sounds like an electrical malfunction. I wouldn't worry right now about the struts and transmission flush. Those are high margin sales that many of the chains push on everybody that comes in...
Vsa light keeps coming on on my 2005 honda odysseyhow do i fix the problem
The VSA light is related to your vehicle's traction control system and stands for "Vehicle Stability Assist" (VSA). The traction control system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/traction-control-light-is-on-inspection) monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected....

Related articles

How to Buy Good Quality Battery Cables
When When your car won’t start, it’s easy to immediately jump to the battery as the problem. If a voltage test, however, shows that the battery is fine, the issue could very well be the battery cables. These oft-overlooked components...
How Long Does a Battery Cable Last?
Transferring Transferring the current from the battery to the starter and alternator is the job of the battery cables. Every time you try to start your car, the battery cables will have to deliver the power needed to fire off...
Understanding the Oldsmobile Oil Life System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Oldsmobile Oil Life System indicates when and what service your car needs.