1997 SC2 Completely Dead, No Power, Not Dead Battery

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by getjer1, Nov 11, 2005.

  1. getjer1

    getjer1 Guest

    I am (was) driving a 1997 SaturnWhen I went out t start my car today
    everything was normal until i tried to start the car. I used the remote to
    unlock the car as normal, and when I put the key in the ignition and turned
    it to the first position, I got the normal chime. But as soon as I trired to
    actually start the car, everything went dead, the chime, interior lights, and
    even the stereo, completely dark. I tired taking the key out and trying again
    to no avail. I even tried taking the transmission out of park and into
    neutral, still no luck. I tired a combination of things and nothing seemed to
    bring the car back from the dead. There was no sign of clicking from the
    starter, and nothing as far as the engine even trying to turn over, there was
    absolutely no electrical power. After a few minutes, I noticed there was a
    clicking noise coming from what seemed to be the rear passenger side of the
    car, but when I further investigated it, I couldnt seem to find exactly where
    it was coming from. I live in the mountains, about 2 hours from the closest
    repair facility of any kind, any quick fixes to get the car going again, and
    to a shop would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Jeremy.
     
    getjer1, Nov 11, 2005
    #1
  2. getjer1

    Bob Shuman Guest

    Check your battery cables. Should be clean and tight. Clean them with a
    wire brush. Check your battery voltage using a voltmeter. Should be 13.8V
    or so without load. Then jump start since it sounds like you have either a
    dead battery, or a bad aternator, or possibly both.

    Good luck.

    Bob
     
    Bob Shuman, Nov 11, 2005
    #2
  3. getjer1

    Jeremy Guest

    Are there any other possibilities, as it seems as if the battery is fine, as
    the power was ok as I turned the key to the first position, but when I tried
    to start it is when everything blacked out. Thanks for your help, all
    suggestions are appreciated!

    -Jeremy

     
    Jeremy, Nov 12, 2005
    #3
  4. getjer1

    Bob Shuman Guest

    Just because your dome light lit and the ignition went on does not mean "the
    battery is fine". The starter draws hundreds of instantaneous amps. The
    dome light is just a miniscule fraction of that. Again, check the battery
    with a voltmeter both at rest and while attempting to start. Post your
    results here. Also, remove and clean the battery cables with a wire brush
    and re-tighten them.

    If you no longer have a dome light, lights do not work, etc, then I'd bet it
    is the cable connections or possibly a completely open cell or internal
    connection to the battery post. This is the first and easiest place to
    start.

    Bob


     
    Bob Shuman, Nov 12, 2005
    #4
  5. getjer1

    The Real Tom Guest


    Fuses?

    hth,

    tom @ www.CarFleaMarket.com
     
    The Real Tom, Nov 15, 2005
    #5
  6. getjer1

    p_vouers Guest

    Most likely battery or alternator. If you have a stick you can just
    push it to start it otherwise you'll need a jump.
     
    p_vouers, Nov 16, 2005
    #6
  7. getjer1

    drand Guest


    Last I knew you can push a car all day with a dead battery and
    alternator system and it won't start.
     
    drand, Nov 17, 2005
    #7
  8. getjer1

    drand Guest


    Last I knew you can push a car all day with alternator system and a
    dead battery and it won't start.
     
    drand, Nov 17, 2005
    #8
  9. getjer1

    The Real Tom Guest


    As for push starting, IMHO, I would not recommeding it with today's
    cars. A serious backfire could damage the exhaust system or it's
    sensors.

    So, since the OP has time, I would elminate why the car is dead first.

    later,

    tom @ www.CarFleaMarket.com
     
    The Real Tom, Nov 17, 2005
    #9
  10. getjer1

    IYM Guest

    As long as the alt is good you can....Did it for 2 weeks on my 94 until I
    got around to getting a battery. Always made sure I parked on a hill though
    just because I didn't feel like pushing a car in a tie, none the less
    getting harassed by coworkers as I run by the office window with my car :)

    Just make sure you'll be rolling in the right direction or you could do some
    damage....(eg. rolling forward, pop clutch in 1st gear, rolling backward pop
    clutch in reverse.)

    Living that far out of town though, I would invest in a battery charger.
    Even doing something silly and leave the map/interior lights on overnight
    will leave you stranded with no other vehicle or people to help ya out....

    Just a thought...

    Scott
     
    IYM, Nov 17, 2005
    #10
  11. The engine has no way of knowing if it's being spun by a starter or via the
    clutch. BUT, they absolutely will NOT start IF the battery is stone dead.
    The alternator will not excite unless there is some voltage there to do it.
     
    Steve Barker LT, Nov 18, 2005
    #11
  12. getjer1

    Mikus Guest

    If the computer doesn't have some juice, it won't start even if you push
    start it.
     
    Mikus, Nov 18, 2005
    #12
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