Starter just clicks

Tiny
BRADP1226
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET HHR
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 166,500 MILES
I just replaced my rack and pinion. After replacing. All my gauge lights, head lights and tail lights come on as soon as I connect the battery. Starter just clicks. Says check charging system. Lights stay on until battery is drained. Jump starting did not help or get it started. I cannot see any pinched or damaged wires anywhere. It started fine until I did above mentioned work.
Sunday, February 18th, 2018 AT 12:48 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

Do you have a voltmeter to check the battery voltage?

A low battery will cause these issues.

Roy
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:34 AM
Tiny
BRADP1226
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No. But that is my next move. I know the battery is at least five years old.
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:37 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, that is where I would start.

The battery voltage needs to be 12.6 volts.
When you try to start it the voltage should be around 11 volts. Anything below that indicates the battery has failed.

Roy
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:39 AM
Tiny
BRADP1226
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for the input. I am far from a mechanic. But always do my own work.
Electrical system always boggles me.
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:47 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You will need a second person with you for this load test.

Roy
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
BRADP1226
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay thanks.
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:50 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome. Keep us updated.

Roy
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:53 AM
Tiny
BRADP1226
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Will do, I am really looking forward to driving my car versus this old gas guzzling van from work.
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 3:55 AM
Tiny
BRADP1226
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Battery did the trick. Glad it was a simple fix. Especially since I just replaced the rack and pinion, tie rods, linkage and more. Just need to replace the power steering fuse. Thanks for your input. Greatly appreciate it.
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Monday, February 19th, 2018 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,820 POSTS
Roy is one of our best!

Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, February 22nd, 2018 AT 12:29 PM

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