car won’t start with new battery

I left my lights on a week ago and the battery died. Had triple A come out to jump it, and it didn't want to start. This has happened before, whenever I've had to have it jumped it's been hard to start, but after the jump there has never been an issue with getting it started. It clicked the first day afterwards, but I let it sit for a week because I didn't have any time off to get it looked at. Thought it might have been the battery even though triple A said the battery was fine and had a full charge. Had it tested at a local auto part store and they showed me it had no charge.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Be sure the vehicle alarm is "off" so that no immobilizer system comes into play. "New" batteries are not necessarily sold fully charged, so the first thing to check is the state of charge of the battery or just simply put the battery on a charger to be sure it’s charged. It’s unlikely there’s anything "wrong" with the battery, other than the charge just needs to be verified. Once you are sure that you have a fully charged, "new" battery to work with, if upon turning the key to the start position nothing happens, that means that either no power is getting to the starter motor "or" (typically "or" although of course can be and/or) the starter solenoid/motor assembly is no good. Using a voltmeter, it’s easy to verify if power is reaching the starter when the key is held in the start position. If power is reaching the starter and there is no starter function you need a new starter motor. If power is not reaching the starter, then the starter circuit has to be traced, including, wiring, fuse, relay and ignition switch. If you desire, you can request a mobile visit from a YourMechanic certified specialist who will perform a no start diagnostic and get this resolved for you promptly.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Saturn Ion won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
If your vehicle won`t start, it`s usually caused by a dying or dead battery, loose or corroded connection cables, a bad alternator or an issue with the starter. It can be hard to determine if you`re dealing with a battery or an alternator problem. Here`s how to know which one is the culprit.
Among the 2.5 million cars that General Motors is recalling due to defective ignition switches are thousands of Saturn Ions produced from 2003-2007. The ignition switch in these Saturn Ion models lacks enough torque to keep the key in the “on” position if the driver accidentally bumps it with his or her knee.
The EGR valve is located in the engine compartment (underneath the hood).
The average cost for a Saturn Ion Starter Replacement is between $357 and $618. Labor costs are estimated between $70 and $89 while parts are priced between $287 and $529.
Bad Sensors

Sensors that fail to send information to the computer may cause the engine to run less efficiently, and they can sometimes be the cause of an engine that won`t start. One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft.

The blown fuse will be apparent because the wire element within will have melted or burned from the higher electrical current. You can also use a test light or a multimeter to identify the dead fuse without having to pull it out. Both tools are affordable and easy to use.
It is usually located in the fuse and relay panel beneath the bonnet, and is responsible for providing power to the vehicle`s ignition system, and some of the fuel system`s components.
Car suddenly stalls while operating

One of the most common symptoms of a failed ignition relay is a car that suddenly stalls while operating. If the ignition relay shorts, burns out, or otherwise fails while the engine is operating it will cut off power to the fuel pump and ignition system.

A flat battery is the most common reason your car won`t start and can be caused by a number of things, such as lights being left on, something in the electrical system causing a battery drain, or even a faulty battery that won`t hold its charge.
Unfortunately, that means that most Saturns only have a few more years left in them, even though Saturns can function well past 200,000 miles on the odometer. Older Saturns, especially the ones that are approaching 20 years old or older, should only be expected to last for another 3-5 years at most.
The most common reasons a Saturn Ion window won`t go up or down are window`s electrical system such as a fuse or relay, a broken window motor, or a broken window regulator.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Water was spilled in the trunk which soaked the car battery. Car won’t start now. Does water destroy a car battery?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in about the concern with the BMW 320i. If the battery was submerged in water then it’s completely possible for the battery to short out and die. Your friend will need to have the battery replaced. Also be sure to get all of the water out of the trunk. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, help you guys out if you need assistance with replacing the battery. Good luck.

New battery & fuel pump. Hours later car starts and shuts down 3X in a row. Finally it starts, 48 hours later, won’t start at all
ANSWER : Checking all the fuses was a good move. I would also want to put a scan tool on it and check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) as well as seeing the data that the computer is seeing.

A fuel pressure test would be a good idea to verify correct pressure and so that you’d be able to eliminate that possibility. It should be 58psi on your Magnum.

I also recommend getting your battery tested (I know, it’s new, have it tested anyway) and be sure it’s charged to at least 75%. And yes, loose battery cable connections can result in electrical problems.

If you need some assistance with this, consider enlisting a certified mechanic who can perform the checks I’ve mentioned and diagnose your starting issue firsthand. The mechanic can then perform the necessary repairs once the problem has been isolated. Good luck.

Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.

2005 Chrysler 300C changed battery and alternator. Car started, ran, and then battery light came on. Shut car off and wouldn’t start.
ANSWER : Hi. There is a couple of things that could be wrong here. The battery or alternator that was just installed could be defective. Theses parts need to be tested for proper operation. There also could be a fuse, fusible link, or wiring for the battery or charging system that is blown or broken causing the battery light to come on.

The codes that you have will cause the car to shut down, run rough, or not start at all. The crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor should be replaced. I suggest having a certified technician from YourMechanic come diagnose the charging system and check engine codes to help you proceed with correct repairs.

New battery, car still won’t start. Single click sounds, like a dead battery
ANSWER : It sounds like you may have a faulty starter solenoid. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, it is likely that your starter solenoid may be faulty. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. As electricity is supplied to the starter a small gear comes out and engages the flywheel to spin the engine over as you turn the key. When this fails, it may cause a clicking sound and will not allow the starter to engage the flywheel when you turn the key. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

Installed new battery but car won’t start – 2005 Honda Civic
ANSWER : Your symptoms could be caused by several components. At first, it sounds like the starter is cranking, but isn’t powerful enough to turn over the engine. This could be due to a bad electrical connection or faulty starter. Replacing the starter is the only option at that point. Now if the engine is turning over, and still unable to start, you have an issue with fuel, air, or spark delivery. Turn the key to accessory and listen for the faint sound of your fuel pump priming. It will sound like a very quiet winding or whirling. That will let you know if the fuel pump is powered and trying to work. You should also check the spark plug and wires. There are specific tools you can use to test them. However, if your spark plugs have over 50,000 miles, they may need to be replaced anyway. If you still need help with a diagnosis, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the no-start and pinpoint the correct repair.

Car won’t start with new battery
ANSWER : This may be related to many different possibilities, some of which may be related to a lack of spark and some of which may be related to a fuel delivery problem or a combination of both. For example, if the ignition coils, crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs, spark plug wires or ignition module are faulty, this may cause the motor to not produce the spark needed to ignite the fuel in the motor.

In the case of a fuel delivery problem, this may be related to low fuel pressure, faulty or dirty fuel injectors, a faulty or dirty idle air control valve (this relays information about air intake to the computer which makes fuel adjustments), or potentially a faulty fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump. Fuel delivery problems will typically not allow the proper amount of fuel to be delivered to the cylinders which results in a lean fuel condition which can cause backfiring or simply cause the motor not to start as a result of fuel starvation. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your no start problem.