Car will not start

Tiny
LESLIE GRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BUICK REGAL
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 280,000 MILES
I have put a new battery on my car about 2 months ago along with a new alternator. Car has been running great. All the sudden coming out of the store to get in my car and the car wont start. Lights come on inside and out. I also have someone who was helping me and he tried to cross fire start the car and it would not start, I tried jumping it off as well and nothing. This is my only means of transportation. Please help? What could it be? I was thinking maybe the starter?
Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 1:49 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Does the engine turn over when you are cranking or does it not do anything when you turn the key?

If you are thinking it is a starter, I assume it is not cranking. If this is the case then we need to start with this guide to find out what the issue could be:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

I am attaching the wiring diagram below of the starting system so that we can check wiring. We need to measure voltage on both wires at the starter when you are cranking the engine. We need to have 12 volts on both wires.

It very well could be the starter so let's run through this guide and go from there.
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Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
LESLIE GRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So, when I turn the key the car makes no sound whatsoever, but all lights, radio, etc, come on. The wires have been tightened on the battery. Where can I get a machine to check the things you have so kindly listed for me to check? The car is not in my possession because it was not drivable.
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Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are going to need a volt meter and to lay on the ground or put the vehicle on lift and test the wiring at the starter. There will be two wires at the starter and we need to test both while turning the key.

Here is a guide that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Are you familiar with this type of testing? If not this may be a little complicated because you need to put the red lead of the meter on the terminal of the wire, and the black lead on a good ground like the engine block since it is right there.

Let me know if this makes sense. If not, we can try to answer the questions you have, just let us know what they are and we can work through it.
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Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
LESLIE GRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you so much. I am not familiar with what you are talking about but I have some gentleman’s as friends I’m sure they do if not I’ll give it my best shot.
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Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Please let us know if you or they have questions and we are happy to try and assist. Let us know how it turns out. Thanks
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Friday, December 25th, 2020 AT 5:58 PM

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