r/t 5.7, never had any problems before now, i woke up this morning and my car only clicked once so i got a ride to work and while i was at work my step dad said he jump started it just fine and turned the car off and on a few times so they dropped it off to me(20 mins away so i doubt its the alternator) and when i got off work it didnt start again, and even after buying a new battery and trying to jump start it again (with new and old battery) still only just clicked once. any ideas??? all lights and electronics work
It’s more than likely the battery. If your able to jump start the car using another car and cables or a booster box. Can also call a tow company for a jump some car insurance comes with road side assistance. Go directly to a parts store local or major chain allmost all have testers. They can tell you if its the battery or alternator. Most parts stores will help you change a battery. If you need an alternator and/or jumping/boosting the car didn’t work it’s probably the starter and you will need a tow to your preferred repair shop.
it only jumped 1 time i put in a new battery and tried jumping and still 1 click
Then it’s the starter or wireing between the battery and starter. I don’t know what your abilities are, starters are not too complicated to change out if you have the tools, space, and a way safely lift and support your car. otherwise I’d be looking for a shop to get that checked out.
could be the alternator
Sounds to me like your starter took a shit. The “click” you’re hearing is the starter solenoid trying to turn the starter over and failing. Check your connections (make sure one of your battery cables isn’t loose / frayed) and your ground connections.
it could randomly do that with no symptoms? drove around w the gf yesterday and had no problems n had multiple stops
What symptoms would you have expected? Your starter only has one job. To start the car. It either does, or it doesn’t. Not really any in-between there to notice anything “slowly” going wrong.
One thing that may work, though this is ONLY for emergency cases where you do not have access to / cannot call for a tow. Take a blunt object, like a deadblow hammer, and give the starter one good whack. This can sometimes free up a “stuck” starter, but should only be used to drive the car to the nearest service center. Usually this is a one time fix, so whatever you do, if that works, DO NOT TURN THE CAR OFF UNTIL YOU ARE POSITIVE YOU DO NOT NEED TO MOVE IT AGAIN.
Again, I don’t recommend it unless in an emergency, and it is NOT a fix to the issue, merely a band-aid to get the car to help.
its stuck at my job atm and mechanics dont open til monday should i just leave it there til then? bc i was going to try to tap start it but if it worked id have to park it at my place unless i can drop it off at the mechanic when they arent open
That’s entirely up to you, buddy! Best of luck! I’ve been there before!
appreciate ur help tho