AMDemon

Hi guys, I was just hoping that I could get a little help with a problem with my car. My 2002 S2k won't turn over after a recent oil change. The car did start a few times after the oil change but I think it was the next day it seemed to have problems starting up. It would do a slow "chug" once or twice and then nothing. The dash is lit up like everything is getting power, but it just can't turn the car over.

I have no idea if it has anything to do with the oil change, I just wanted to bring that up in case it may. My thinking being that maybe it could be too much oil or the oil filter. The filter is a Bosh and the oil is Castrol Edge 10w30 full synthetic.

I brought the battery into Autozone and had them check it. They said that it was 1 volt low but otherwise fine. They put it on a changer and said it would be like an hour. When I came back the guy said it was done a minute after I left. When I put the battery back in the car, the car fired up (with slight chugging) 3 times and then I went in for the night. The car would not start the next morning, with the same slow "chug" and then nothing.

Any insight anyone can give me would be much appreciated as this is my daily driver. I'd like to avoid the mechanic if possible.

Billman250

Bad battery, or connection. oil change has nothing to do with it.

AMDemon

Thanks Bill. I'll look further down that road and ignore the oil change.

AMDemon

I think I found the problem. The negative connector on the battery is a little loose even when tightened as much as possible.

mmm...vtec

had something similar happen to my wifes car...i thought it was the batt..changed it and no differance...turns out the ground side connection of the starter was loose..make sure all the connections on the starter are nice and tight and are free of rust and any kind of road grime that can cause high resistance...before u start messing with the starter disconnect the batt....make sure u have the unlock code if u have oem radio..

AMDemon

Well, Autozone may have wasted a lot of my time. As I said, first thing I did was take the battery to the store and have them check it and charge it. The guy said that the battery was fine just a 1v low. I hook it back up and the car starts 3 times and I think things are good. I come out the next morning...won't start.

Today I knew I killed my battery trying different things to figure out the issue. I took it back to Autozone and told them to charge it and TEST IT AGAIN. New guy then tests it and tells me that the battery is in fact bad. So, now I have a new battery in my possession and hopefully all will be well again.

Billman250

Put your hand on the battery terminals and try to twist them off by hand. If you can move them, they are not tight enough.

Loosen them and tap them all the way down on the terminal. This puts them on a larger part of the taper and increases the clamping force.

AMDemon

As I said, I bought a new battery after the other one actually tested bad. I hooked it up with fresh dielectric grease and she fired right up. I only wish the first guy would have tested the battery correctly and saved me a lot of time and frustration. Thanks for the help, Bill!