After replacing the battery and alternator the car shuts off and I have to turn the key six times to start again?

MARK WHY GM

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET BERETTA
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
126,000 MILES

I replace the battery and the alternator after the car starts it just shuts off and you have to turn the key back and forth six times in order for it to start again. Also, by the alternator wires there is a three wire plug going to nothing.

Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 10:40 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

Did this start after the battery/alt were replaced? When you say it takes six tries cycling the switch for it to restart, is the starter not engaging or does the starter engage but the engine just fail to start?

I ask because there are several things that can cause this if it cranks but doesn't start. For example, the manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP) can be faulty.

The MAP sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and adjusts the fuel delivery accordingly. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to start and then die immediately.

That is one theory of a possible cause. By chance, have you had the computer scanned?

Also, I attached a pic below showing the MAP location. Make sure the connector and wiring are in good condition.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 11:22 AM

MARK WHY GM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, it happened immediately after changing both and you turn the key, and it doesn't crank until the 6-7th try. The MAP sensor wires look good, still not sure where the extra three wire plug goes though that is in with alternator wires harness.

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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 12:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

As far as the connector you are seeing, chances are it isn't used on this model vehicle. If you can get a pic of it and upload it so I can see the wire colors, it may help me.

I attached the charging system wiring schematic below. You can check if the wire colors on the connector match what is in the picture.

Now, when you try the 6 times, do you hear clicking? I ask because something as simple as a loose or corroded battery terminal can cause this. I realize the battery was just replaced, but I would suggest double-checking it.

Do that and if possible, upload the wiring you are questioning. Hopefully, I'll recognize it.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 3:35 PM

MARK WHY GM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks, guys, for your help. I went and bought a new battery and put it in the car. When I first turned the car on no dash lights nothing came on. I turned the key forward twice to try to start it, it made a weird click then I released the ignition switch with it still forward waited one minute dash lights all came on started the car up let it run for 20 minutes it never stalled shut the car off turn the key forward everything came on started the car up no lights on the dash are on car idles runs perfect. Thank you so much oh and the connectors at the starter we're corroded I put baking soda and water on them and now they're all clean car runs like it should.

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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 7:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm glad to hear you got it going. Just make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. LOL

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime.

Joe