Will not start

2001 BUICK REGAL
44,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ELISILVER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yesterday my car did not want to start. The lights would not turn on and the remote key would not respond and unlock the car either. So I thought it was a dead battery. I took it in and it was healthy. Next I checked the alternator and took it in to be checked. Turned out the alternator was bad. After that it started to run! It ran for a whole day then the next day it didn't unlock with the remote key again so I was confused. I called triple A and they came to unlock the car and tested the battery and it was fine. But now the car won't start. Any suggestions or ideas as to what is going on here? Any help is welcome. Thanks!
Oct 25, 2019 at 8:11 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Is the starter presently engaging and turning the engine? How was the battery tested? Was it load tested? Is there any noise from the starter when you try starting it?

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 25, 2019 at 11:36 AM
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ELISILVER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The battery was tested at AutoZone so I'm not sure what kind of test they do with it. And there is no noise that I am aware of. None of the dash lights go on either.
Oct 25, 2019 at 12:30 PM
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ELISILVER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The starter was not engaging and the only security light was blinking when I tried to jump the battery.
Oct 25, 2019 at 2:27 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Welcome back:

The first thing we need to do is determine if the starter is getting power to the smaller wire on the solenoid. It only gets power when the key is in the start position, so you will need a helper. Do this and let me know the results.

Here is a link that explains how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Take care and let me know.

Joe
Oct 25, 2019 at 2:45 PM
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