Diagnosing the problem
1 of 3Photo 1: Check the posts
Disconnect the battery
terminals and use a wire
terminal cleaner to clean
the posts.
2 of 3Photo 2: Clean
Clean the inside of the
terminals with the opposite
end of the cleaning tool.
3 of 3Photo 3: Protect terminals
Apply a light coat of
battery terminal protective
spray.
You turn the key and hear the dreaded “click.” Sure, you
may need a new battery, starter or alternator. But before
you condemn either the battery or the charging system, follow
these steps.
Turn on your dome light and turn the key again. If the dome
light dims, focus your attention on the battery and its connections.
If the dome light doesn't dim, the starter motor isn't
drawing power. Have the starter checked by a professional.
Check the battery voltage. Scratch clean contact areas on the
battery posts and test the battery voltage with a test meter. A
fully charged battery should read 12.7 volts. At 50 percent
charge, the voltage drops to 12.1 volts. A low reading can be the
result of poor electrical connections, a problem with the charging
system, or a battery that is at the end of its life.
You can't always see corroded battery and ground connections,
so clean all of them
(Photos 1 - 3). Start with the
battery terminals. Note: Disconnect
the negative cable
first and reconnect it last. Then
clean the connection between
the battery negative cable and
the engine.
Finally, clean the connection
between the battery negative
cable and the body. If the
car starts, the problem is
solved. If it doesn't, take the
car to the shop and explain
what tests you've done. Then
have the battery and the starting
and charging systems
checked out.
