1997 SC2 Completely Dead, No Power, Not Dead Battery

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.

Reply to
getjer1
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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

Reply to
Bob Shuman

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

Bob Shuman wrote:

Reply to
Jeremy

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

Reply to
Bob Shuman

Fuses?

hth,

tom @

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Reply to
The Real Tom

Most likely battery or alternator. If you have a stick you can just push it to start it otherwise you'll need a jump.

Reply to
p_vouers

Last I knew you can push a car all day with a dead battery and alternator system and it won't start.

Reply to
drand

Last I knew you can push a car all day with alternator system and a dead battery and it won't start.

Reply to
drand

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 @

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Reply to
The Real Tom

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

Reply to
IYM

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.

Reply to
Steve Barker LT

If the computer doesn't have some juice, it won't start even if you push start it.

Reply to
Mikus

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