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Electrical shut down

Tiny
HALTMANJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BUICK LA CROSSE
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,500 MILES
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?
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:47 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
HALTMANJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
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.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2019 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, November 22nd, 2019 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
HALTMANJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2013 BUICK LA CROSSE
  • 82,000 MILES
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?
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Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
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
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Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HALTMANJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)

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