Electrical shut down

2013 BUICK LA CROSSE
77,500 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HALTMANJ
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Randomly I will go to start my car I have no power at all. Put the key in ignition and it locks up and won't turn. Usually after 5-10 minutes I can hear something cycling and then it goes back to normal with no issues. When power comes back it says to roll driver and passenger windows down and back up. Can you point me in the right direction?
Nov 18, 2019 at 12:47 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

It sounds like the battery is shorting out. To be sure lets load test it. here is a link to help us see what is going on:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please run down this guide and report back.
Nov 20, 2019 at 10:34 AM
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HALTMANJ
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Thanks for your help Ken. It was the battery. It is less than a year and a half old so I wouldn't had thought that was the issue.
Nov 21, 2019 at 4:34 PM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Nov 22, 2019 at 9:43 AM
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HALTMANJ
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I'm having same problem again. I just put new battery in car less than week ago after 2 year old battery tested for a bad cell. I parked car and couple hours later went to start it and nothing. I popped hood to check cables, they were fine but when I grabbed the positive cable it was so hot it burned my hand. Possible issues?
Jun 24, 2020 at 11:12 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You must have a dead short. First, disconnect the battery and then follow the positive wire to see if it has melted and is touching anything such as an exhaust manifold, or anything metal. Also, on the alternator is a larger wire that runs from the battery to the starter and then the alternator. Check it as well for any evidence of an issue.

Let me know. Also, if it was that hot, don't reconnect the battery until we determine what is happening. One last thought, if no fuses were blown, then the problem is before the fuse box or likely something with the main power supply from the battery to the starter and so on.


Let me know.

Joe
Jun 24, 2020 at 11:12 AM (Merged)
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HALTMANJ
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All connections are good between cables to starter and alternator. Each time this happened before with old battery and now with new battery after a minute or so I will hear a click around battery and all power returns. I did pop hood again after this last time and cable was not hot after driving car home.
Jun 24, 2020 at 11:12 AM (Merged)