The car was driving fine today and earlier this week. I go and wash the car and all of the sudden i couldnt start the car. Could it be the battery, alternator? I just replaced the coil couple of months ago. I jump started the car and it started, then when i would turn it off, the car wouldnt start. Please dont pass up this post, i need help.

 

What happens when you turn the key (without the jumper)? Does the starter engage? Does the engine crank (rotate)? Does it attempt to start at all?

Is the fact you were going to wash the car relavent? Did you start to hose it down.... get water on any critical components?

 

well before, it would crank and like clicking noises would come. now when i try, it doesnt attempt to start at all. also, when i put the key in the ignition, i see my voltometer above 8 and in the red zone, is that relevant. Also, i dont believe the car wash was relevant. hood was closed and doors.

 

You could try this for a quick diagnostic, take someone elses battery, hook it up. If your car starts, keep it running and unhook their battery, if it dies your aldinator is bad, if it continues to run your battery is bad.

 

If you're only seeing 8V on the dash gauge when you try and start it, nothing much is going to happen. Could be a weak battery, corroded/damaged cables, short in the starter, etc. You have to narrow it down one step at a time. The fact that it did start when you jumped it, would seem to indicate its the battery. Did you attach the jumper cables to the battery terminals?

 

Yea i did attach it to battery terminals. I took the battery to Autozone and said they will charge it because it was very low. I hope that is the problem or else i will be looking at the alternator. thanks though