Car not starting when jumped

Tiny
AUDGE2194
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,000 MILES
Car battery was drained so I jumped it with a friends car. The engine cranks slowly and will not catch.

I have had no trouble starting the car in the past and there were no check engine lights or anything on the last time I drove it. I am not sure why the battery drained in the first place, since I really do not believe I left anything on in the car overnight. Additionally, the first time I tried to start the car (before jumping) the automatic transmission oil temperature light came on and the trip meter/clock reset.

When under the hood, I checked my oil (low but looks clean) and coolant (appears to be empty) would this be enough to prevent it from starting? Also, the cap to my wiper fluid was off and the level looked low despite the fact that I filled it recently. Is it possible that it spilled or leaked onto some critical component?
Thursday, April 19th, 2018 AT 3:12 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Batteries can just drain from old age or sometimes for no reason at all. Jump starting is not the solution and in today's cars, that can be very risky and a lot of electronic damage can be done. You need to have the battery fully charged and then tested for health. If it fails, replace the battery, do not try to jump start it.
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Thursday, April 19th, 2018 AT 3:31 PM

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