2003 Vue Startup Problem

[bmd473]

A couple of months ago, my Vue (2003, V6 FWD) would not start when my wife turned the key, the engine would crank, but nothing else. I went out to the car a couple of hours later (when I got home from work) and it started fine for me.

Today, it is doing it again. When I turn the key, the car cranks but nothing. Only this time after I waited several hours, it still won't turn on. If I turn the key to the run position, the lights on the dash board turn on, the radio turns on and the the windows work, so I don't think it is the battery. Also, when I turn it to run, the security light turns off after a couple seconds so I don't think it is a security issue. Does anyone have any ideas or has this happend to them? Thanks.

[BobbyP]

Do you hear any clicking from the starter solenoid?

[bmd473]

Yes. That is all that happens. It is just a clicking noise when I turn the key.

[1saxman]

If it's cranking but not starting, you may have a more serious issue. If it's clicking but not cranking, you may just have corrosion on the battery terminals, it may need a new battery or you may have discharged the battery trying to start it.
Are you sure the car is not out of gas? If it's just clicking, the battery will have to be cleaned, charged or replaced before you can do anything else. If it's cranking but not starting and there's gas in it, you probably will have to have it towed in.

[bmd473]

My mistake earlier. The only thing that it is doing is clicking when I turn the key. Would it be the battery even if all the lights come on, the radio works, and the windows roll down when I turn the key to the run position?

[SLAPSHOT]

Originally Posted by bmd473

My mistake earlier. The only thing that it is doing is clicking when I turn the key. Would it be the battery even if all the lights come on, the radio works, and the windows roll down when I turn the key to the run position?

It's most likely your battery, no big deal, buy a new one. I'd have the alternator checked as well just for good measure, but my money's on a dead battery. Yes, your electric system can still work with what little is left in the battery, you just don't have enough juice to turn the motor.

[GearGuy]

1 click with each turn of the key or do you hear a few clicks? Do the interior lights dim?

It takes a good bit more amperage to get the engine to turn over. So the radio could still play fine even if the battery is dying.

There are auto stores that can test a battery for you. Advance Auto and Pep Boys come to mind. If you drive it in the could test the charging system as well. Just to make sure that nothing is boderline bad.

Check the battery cables and cables running to the starter for corrosion. See if anything is loose. A poor connection with the ground cable could also lead to trouble.

[mellissam]

Originally Posted by bmd473

My mistake earlier. The only thing that it is doing is clicking when I turn the key. Would it be the battery even if all the lights come on, the radio works, and the windows roll down when I turn the key to the run position?

Saxman pretty much summed it up in his post.....
To answer your question, yes, you can have the lights come on, radio, and windows work, yet the car will not start....

See if the cables to the battery posts are real secure and not corroded (especially the positive post - clean if dirty). If they are tight, and not corroded, recharge your battery or get a jump from someone. The clicking is your solenoid which switches on your starter (starter may have loose a cable). Its been a while since I have had this problem (the farm days...hmmm...LOL), but I would see how bright the lights are...if real bright (not dim), I would check the cable to the starter (its rare, but someone they are loose).

[body-snatch-her]

You can try jump starting with booster cables (be very careful to do it right) and if it starts then you know it's related to the battery and/or charging system and after it's started you can proceed to the parts place for alternator testing/battery replacement as described above. In any case make sure the cable clamps are clean by washing with a baking soda solution or even better replace them with new ones since they can get oxide glazed over time. If the car won't jump start then it's likely a larger issue which you likely will need a professional to diagnose and repair (assuming you had fuel in the tank when the problem started).

[bmd473]

Took the battery to O'Reillys tonight where it tested bad. Bought a new battery and the Vue seems to work fine. Thanks for all the replies and I will definitely remember this site in the future.

[GearGuy]

Well, glad to hear it was a minor problem.
I think the typical battery life is about 3 years.... Pretty low...

Stop back anytime.
It always helps to have people share their personal experiences...

[mr weather]

Yeah, 3 years sounds about right. Just after the warranty expires...

Although, my last car (1995 Cavalier) got over 7 years out of the OE battery.

Heat is the enemy. Glad the battery in my ION is in the trunk.

[SLAPSHOT]

Originally Posted by mr weather

Glad the battery in my ION is in the trunk.

I really liked that about the ION's I had.....it also makes installing amps alot easier.