| statman |
Help!!
I just changed the battery in my 2004 SL AWD and it won't start. The starter doesn't even turn. I read some posts on this site and learned about the "memory loss" problem. But, I saw no reference to a complete failure to start. I probably had my battery disconnected for over an a hour while I wrestled with one of the mounting bolds that kept falling into the tray. However, I started it right after setting the new battery in the tray to make sure if worked. It started fine. After I finished bolting it down I had dinner. I came out about an hour later and tried to start and it won't even crank. I haven't tested the battery yet, (because it's dark now and I don't feel like messing with it) but I doubt the battery is bad.
Is this a "memory loss" problem?
Statman |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by statman
Help!!
I just changed the battery in my 2004 SL AWD and it won't start. The starter doesn't even turn. I read some posts on this site and learned about the "memory loss" problem. But, I saw no reference to a complete failure to start. I probably had my battery disconnected for over an a hour while I wrestled with one of the mounting bolds that kept falling into the tray. However, I started it right after setting the new battery in the tray to make sure if worked. It started fine. After I finished bolting it down I had dinner. I came out about an hour later and tried to start and it won't even crank. I haven't tested the battery yet, (because it's dark now and I don't feel like messing with it) but I doubt the battery is bad.
Is this a "memory loss" problem?
Statman
I don't think so - the memory loss problem usually results in an uneven idle. It should not affect whether the vehicle starts or not. Maybe the antitheft system has gone awry? Perhaps try arming the alarm (locking the doors with the fob) and unlocking the doors (disarm the alarm).
Can you get power to the accessories, or lights? If you do, then the connection should be fine. Also check to make sure you are in park or neutral (although you cannot remove the key if you are not in Park). |
|
|
| statman |
Eric,
Thanks for the reply. I ran out to the car to check a few things just to be sure.
It's in Park. The lights and radio work. I have locked and unlocked it several times. I thought maybe it was a security thing, too. I changed the battery in my other car last year and I had to enter a code to get the radio to work again, but I couldn't find any reference to a similar feature in my MO. I guess I'll test the new battery tomorrow and also try to jump start the car.
Let me know if you have any other ideas.
Thanks again.
statman |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by statman
Eric,
Thanks for the reply. I ran out to the car to check a few things just to be sure.
It's in Park. The lights and radio work. I have locked and unlocked it several times. I thought maybe it was a security thing, too. I changed the battery in my other car last year and I had to enter a code to get the radio to work again, but I couldn't find any reference to a similar feature in my MO. I guess I'll test the new battery tomorrow and also try to jump start the car.
Let me know if you have any other ideas.
Thanks again.
statman
Does it go "click-click-click-click" when it tries to start, or no cranking at all? Usually the clicking noise means the starter solenoid is engaging but there is not enough juice from the battery for the engine to turn over. If you get nothing, I think it is a security system issue.
I guess you can try reconnecting the terminals again (you never know if something is loose) if all else fails. |
|
|
| statman |
| No "click-click-click". Nothing at all. I guess I'll try reconnecting. Are you aware of any reset procedure for the security system? |
|
|
| Gonzo |
Rehaps try disconnecting the battery for about an hour and reconnect. Something my need to be reset.
I would also check the fuses, perhaps when you were installing the battery something shorted. |
|
|
| statman |
OK, I'm a very bad mechanic. It seems that the second time I installed the battery (due to the clamp problem) I left off one of the two connections on the positive terminal. I don't know what the circuit diagram looks like, but apparently that provided enough power for the accessories but not enough to crank the engine. When I looked at it in the morning it was immediately obvious. After I correct that it started right up. It seems to idle fine, but I haven't had time to test drive it to see if it lost any engine control settings.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks again for the input. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by statman
OK, I'm a very bad mechanic. It seems that the second time I installed the battery (due to the clamp problem) I left off one of the two connections on the positive terminal. I don't know what the circuit diagram looks like, but apparently that provided enough power for the accessories but not enough to crank the engine. When I looked at it in the morning it was immediately obvious. After I correct that it started right up. It seems to idle fine, but I haven't had time to test drive it to see if it lost any engine control settings.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks again for the input.
Glad you got it fixed. Enjoy the ride! |
|
|
|
