What to do next?

[BronxBorn]

A problem came back today when the car wouldn't start after a short run and it needed a jump to get it going. The battery is just over a year old and the terminals have been cleaned and dielectric grease applied. Spark plugs replaced the same time as the battery. Installed a new starter three months ago and replaced fuel pump driver module at the same time. I'm thinking a new alternator is called for but open to other ideas. I've read other posts also suggesting replacing the relays. All suggestions are appreciated.

[RubberCtyRauder]

you need to get some volt readings with volt meter, not factory gauge which is not 100% accurate. volts at battery when off, volts at battery when idling, then turn lights on, run a/c, stereo. do you have any aftermarket electronics? before throwing parts at it.

[BronxBorn]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have no aftermarket electronics installed. It's pretty much original, with only a cold air intake installed. Never had the funds with raising a family. I will attach a voltmeter tomorrow but in the past it has been just under 12 volts before starting and mid 13's when running.

[lji372]

Have the battery tested.

Check your grounds.

[1Marauder]

Buy a new starter relay, $19 from FoMoCo Parts.

Replace starter relay.

[RubberCtyRauder]

car needs 12 or 12+ with car off, should really be a smidge over 14 when running..If battery has water fillings, check water level..don't use tap water, distilled water if needed and don't overfill. each cell has it's own capacity.

[Gryphonzus]

Also make sure your ground wire is good and has good connections on both ends and are clean.

[BronxBorn]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I forgot that I do have an aftermarket radio since the original died about 7 years ago. The starting problems have been on and off the past 3 years.

Here's the data I collected:
Voltage
not running -------------- 12.2
running, everything off - 14.2
full draw ----------------- 13.6
full draw w/ radio off --- 13.9
everything off again ---- 14.2
engine off --------------- 12.6

Ohms
ground wire next to battery - 0.01
touching engine block ------- 0.00

I'll get a new starter relay since it is the least expensive option to start with. Should I also check the draw with the fuse pulled for the radio?

[Turbov6Bryan]

Check battery ground to fender.

[BronxBorn]

I think that is the one I noted as the ground wire next to battery. It was the thinner wire coming off the negative terminal and going to the inside fender. Is there another location I should be checking on?

[Turbov6Bryan]

The bigger main ground wire, but it starts...

See if you can get it not to start, use a set of jumper cables and go from battery ground to a good ground, like frame. If it starts, you have a ground cable issues

Same above with positive battery cable, but go straight to the starter

This tests the cars pos and neg cables.

I had one car that if it sat for a week, it would looooose ground, turn key and nothing would happen, plug jumper cables to that car from another and it would fire up.... matter of fact, once it was just touched with cables the car would start 10 times in a row and it technically never was a bad battery


You put cables on your car to get a jump, did your radio work? Headlights work?
Was it a dead battery or was it a ignition key issue?
Did it fire up immediately with the jump, or was it a dead battery?

[BronxBorn]

It was turning over fairly well but it just didn't seem to have enough juice to make it go. It started right up with the jump so it sounds very similar to what you described. How did you wind up resolving it?

I didn't have the radio on and wasn't looking at the headlights so I can't say if all the other electric components were working prior to the jump. I'll see if I can get it not to start and try what you've suggested but knowing electrical gremlins, it will probably start every time.

[Zack]

Batteries can be a day old and still fail.

[fastblackmerc]

Take it to a FLAPS to have the charging system & battery tested.

Make sure all the grounds and positive cables are clean and tight.

[BronxBorn]

I stopped by the local FLAPS and they tested the battery and charging system and everything checked out. I have replaced the started relay and checked and cleaned up all the ground and battery cables. Still though when I was out today it took and a couple of more seconds than usual to fire up. If anyone has any other ideas on what to check let me know. Thanks.

[fastblackmerc]

I stopped by the local FLAPS and they tested the battery and charging system and everything checked out. I have replaced the started relay and checked and cleaned up all the ground and battery cables. Still though when I was out today it took and a couple of more seconds than usual to fire up. If anyone has any other ideas on what to check let me know. Thanks.

Few more seconds to crank or start?

[BronxBorn]

Start. Turned over for longer period before starting up.