Q: Car has sat for a month and won't start

asked by on January 28, 2016

My car won't start. The battery is new, though the car has sat for a month without being started.

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

It’s not uncommon for your battery to be drained down if your car sits for a month without starting. Modern vehicles have a lot of technology which requires a lot of computers. Those computers have what is called keep alive memory, not to mention various theft devices that are left on constantly. When items remain on even after shutting car off and parking this is called a parasitic drain. A small drain is expected, usually manufacture specs say no more than 65 70 ma. Now for over a month, a drain like that can take a battery down especially if it is a weak, worn or incorrect battery. Charge the battery completely and check carefully to make sure you didn’t leave anything on accidentally. To be on the safe side, a mechanic such as one from YourMechanic can inspect and repair your car’s starting system.

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

Rear window not staying up
It sounds like the window regulator is bad. The regulator is what raises and lowers the window when the motor is commanded. The cables in the regulator wear out over time and break, causing the window to not stay up....
Acceleration issue, RPMs increase but not speed
If your car is revving up but not moving, or is slow at gaining speed, then you have a slipping clutch. If you have a manual or automatic transmission it will still be a clutch issue. A mechanic with experience...
tachometer.speedometer temp gauge not working
If cluster fuses are good, check/clean the battery ground, bot the terminal and where the ground cable connects to the chassis. If that doesn't help, then you have a bad instrument cluster and it will have to be replaced.
Electrical issues, power steering shuts off & car stalls.
It is most likely a coincidence that these problems began happening after the turbo was replaced. However, it is possible something that occurred during the diagnosis or repair of the turbo may have created all these problems. Regardless, with the...
Hi temp low oil and low oil pressure warnings come on
Hello. The warning lights that are coming on can be caused by a few different things. If all three have come on at the same time then it is very likely that the oil has run low. Aside from causing...
Does a 1998 Dodge Dakota SLT automatic transmission have differential fluid? Do i add it or is it called something?
The automatic transmission in your vehicle uses ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid. The differential uses GL-5 80W-90 gear oil, with a friction modifier if you've got a limited slip rear end.
Oil pressure gage at zero. No leaks and has plenty of oil. No abnormal noise and temps normal. No low pressure warning light.
The oil pressure gauge will usually drop when a few things could be happening. Either the motor is in fact low on oil, the oil pump could be failing or the oil pressure sending unit (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) is not working properly...
cx-9 phone button bluetooth no working
Unfortunately, if you have tampered with the bluetooth system, it would be very difficult to determine what could be causing this issue without knowing what you did previously. The only recommendation that I have is to check behind the radio...
I was just about out of gas and almost to has station when a red lightening bolt started flashing and the car started sputtering,
The red lightning bolt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) indicates that there is a problem wit the electronic throttle control unit. This may be for a specific reason or may be due to a slight glitch. Try resetting the throttle control unit by doing...

Related articles

How a Keyless Push-Button Ignition Works
Technology Technology has advanced for automotive security and user-focused features, and a shift is occurring where traditional key-and-cylinder starting systems are being replaced by keyless push-button ignition systems. They are incredibly simple to operate and provide excellent security. The system...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Infiniti M
The The 2012 Infiniti M combines luxury, performance and value into a stylish sedan. With numerous standard luxury features and drive-enhancing technology, this is one car that is sure to impress any driver in a number of ways. Key Features...
How to Start a Prius
The The Toyota Prius was a game changer when it was first introduced back in 2000. As one of the first commercially successful hybrid vehicles, it eventually helped launch an entire hybrid industry. The hybrid engine was not the only...