2000 Saturn Sedan - weird starting problem

[Traci1211]

On Friday, I drove from work to Starbucks, 5 minutes away. Ran in for a few minutes, came out and the car wouldn't start. It wouldn't even attempt to start, no noise at all. The radio and lights came on. I had someone try to jump start the battery, but it had zero effect. Later in the evening, it still wouldn't start, so we push started it to get it home (TG for standards!). When I got home, it started up 5 times with no problems. And has started since then with no problems.

So, that's one issue. I don't want to get stuck again, so it scares me...

I noticed yesterday, that when getting into the car after it has been sitting, it smells like gas. When I get home today I will remove the small portable gas container I keep back there, even though it doesn't seem to have spilled out... but eliminating options at this point.

Curious if the 2 issues might be related.

[bescurred]

When you tried to start it, did it turn over at all?

[fdryer]

Battery, battery cables, and starter. Easy ones first, leaving the hardest for last.

1-A battery older than 4yrs needs a load test to be sure its still capable of starting. Have a store test done.

2-Any visual indications of severe corrosion on any battery connection can also mean severe corrosion hidden from view, underneath the heavy insulation. Acid from a broken side terminal will eat away copper wires to prevent starting current from powering starters. Remove, clean or replace battery cables as needed.

3-If this is the original starter, have it tested. Without mentioning mileage for a reference, starters last only so long. Nothing lasts forever. Bench testing sometimes won't reveal worn out starters so mileage and owner habits can provide some history to determine whether or not a starter is due for replacement.

[Traci1211]

When you tried to start it, did it turn over at all?

No, it didn't make a sound, didn't even attempt to start.

Without mentioning mileage for a reference, starters last only so long.

There's only 127k miles on it.


Right now, my main concern is the gas smell when I get in after it's been sitting. This started after the non-starting problem on Friday. And it's been starting ever since then with no problems.

[bigmike86]

did you try checking your plugs?

[fdryer]

Originally Posted by Traci1211

.... it didn't make a sound, didn't even attempt to start. ...There's only 127k miles on it. ....Right now, my main concern is the gas smell when I get in after it's been sitting.....

Are you capable of performing routine maintenance like draining oil, changing oil filters, spark plugs, etc?

[scsomike]

was the weather warmer when you started smelling the gas? warmer than recent weeks i mean. if so, it may just be venting due to expansion. as far as the car not starting, I say do what the others said. have the battery load tested at a parts store and check/replace the battery cables.

[off-track]

Sounds to me like your starter is on the way out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjstj9kWos0