Does not start?

2003 HONDA ACCORD
175,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MARYHAMMETT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The car won’t start. The interior lights turn on, and it tried to turn over a couple times, then nothing. Tried jumping it off and still won’t start. The battery is 3-4 years old and I'm not sure if the starter has ever been replaced.
Sep 23, 2023 at 11:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

When this happens, the interior lights go out, and then after a short period, do they come back on? If that is the case, first make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. If they are, remove the battery and have it recharged, and then load tested.

Often, a parts store will both charge and load test the battery for you. I know there is an AutoZone in this area that does it for people. Based on what you are describing, it sounds like the battery may have an internal short.

If you want, try this simple load test at home, it doesn't require any tools to do:

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

Let me know what you find. Also, make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. You would be surprised how often that is the cause of a no-start.

Take care,

Joe

Sep 23, 2023 at 2:05 PM
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