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Current version by David Hodson,

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Since you say that it sounds like it wants to start, my feeling is that the starter isn't getting enough power for the engine to turn over. A low battery wouldn't supply enough power, but it could be low for a couple reasons. The battery itself could have bad cells, which would keep it from holding a charge. If your alternator is bad, though, then it doesn't charge the battery up while you're driving, which means you're out of luck once you turn the car off.
An easy alternator test you can do on your own is to start the car up (you may have to get a jump from a friend of yours) and let it run. While it's running, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. If your car dies after disconnecting the battery, you know that the alternator isn't providing enough power, and likely needs to be replaced. In addition, most auto shops have a freereplaced or cheap starting/charging system test that they perform.

Ifrepaired. If the car still runs fine with the battery disconnected, the problem is likely to be in the battery itself or the starter. Also, most auto shops have a free or cheap starting/charging system test that they perform if you would rather put your car in the hands of a professional.
An easy alternator test you can do on your own is to start the car up (you may have to get a jump from a friend of yours) and let it run. While it's running, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. If your car dies after disconnecting the battery, you know that the alternator isn't providing enough power, and likely needs to be replaced. In addition, most auto shops have a freereplaced or cheap starting/charging system test that they perform.

Ifrepaired. If the car still runs fine with the battery disconnected, the problem is likely to be in the battery itself or the starter. Also, most auto shops have a free or cheap starting/charging system test that they perform if you would rather put your car in the hands of a professional.

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Original post by David Hodson,

Text:

Since you say that it sounds like it wants to start, my feeling is that the starter isn't getting enough power for the engine to turn over. A low battery wouldn't supply enough power, but it could be low for a couple reasons. The battery itself could have bad cells, which would keep it from holding a charge. If your alternator is bad, though, then it doesn't charge the battery up while you're driving, which means you're out of luck once you turn the car off.

An easy alternator test you can do on your own is to start the car up (you may have to get a jump from a friend of yours) and let it run. While it's running, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. If your car dies after disconnecting the battery, you know that the alternator isn't providing enough power, and likely needs to be replaced. In addition, most auto shops have a free or cheap starting/charging system test that they perform.

If the car still runs fine with the battery disconnected, the problem is likely to be in the battery itself or the starter.

Status:

open