Friend's car won't start

angminas

Diamond Member
Dec 17, 2006
3,331
26
91
Hey guys, thanks for reading this. It's a Saturn SL or SL2...dunno which year, but probably early 2000's. It runs like normal, but sometimes when he turns the key, absolutely nothing happens. Then when I came to give him a jump, it started up just like it should- no lag or anything. He told me it's a battery or alternator problem, but I don't think so. I got 13.1 volts on the battery (less than a year old) and 14.45 volts when running. His wife told me they've put 4 batteries on the car since they've had it- I don't know how long that's been, but not long enough that 4 batteries makes sense.

I was thinking starter or ignition switch, because I've had similar symptoms from those in the past. What do you think? Is 13.1 volts good enough? Is there anything else an intelligent but inexperienced guy can check without advanced tools or taking the engine apart? Would some kind of power drain be ruining their batteries early? How would I look for such a thing?

Thanks very much for the help! :beer:
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
You can;t test a battery by just checking the volts, you need to put a load on the battery to see if it holds. Advance auto and most other national parts houses will test for free.

Check the connections at the batter and starter. Other then that there is not much you can do until it will not start. When the problem is happening test the lead at the starter to see if it is gettign a signal from the ignition switch when the key is turned. If you get that and still have no start then it might be the starter.
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,391
1,780
126
I've had some problems starting my car too. (also a GM product)

The ignition switch could be the problem, but don't rule out the security system too.

I've never had trouble starting my car when I'm by myself. It's always when my wife is around. I think something happens with manually unlocking our doors that triggers the security system and I have to lock and unlock the doors to start the car.

Something else about the battery- If it were a battery problem, the starter would at least click. However, he could have a problem with his starter solenoid too. If it gets stuck it can cause this problem, but it's unlikely a jump would fix the problem. It would take tapping the starter with a wrench to dislodge it.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,580
982
126
Is there any corrosion around the battery terminals? I'd start by cleaning them and see if the problem goes away.
 

funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,368
418
126
If there is no corrosion, and all the wires are tight, and when he turns the key he hears no clicking sounds coming from under the hood from the start trying to engage then its he ignition set on the column. May want to call Saturn first though, not 100% sure if I am remembering this from Ford or not, but I want to say it may have a recall for the ignition. Doesnt matter who owns the car, or what, a recall is a recall and if it has one he can take it in to get fixed for free if it has one for it.

Just call the nearest Stealership and ask for them to do a recall check, and give them the vin #. they will check it on the computer and let you know.

Hope that helps. And if no recall then the ignition may cost a bit to get replaced just for it and you may be better off going to the junkyard and buying the whole assemble with a new set of key for the cost of a new one from the dealer to put in. Any joe blow shop can put in the column or get one for you.