Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting 95 mystique wont start

This damn piece of junk wont start at all. Theres a buzzing noise from the engine area, the windshield wipers turn on, and the dashboard lights flash. Are these symptoms of low battery voltage?

I've previously had to replace the alternator (once) and battery (twice). The alternator/battery light has been flickering for a few months. I checked the battery voltage and it's about 9-10V so its not completely dead.

The really crappy part is I just fixed the AC manifold for $700 wednesday (as with the alternator they pretty much have to pull the engine to do anything to this car!)

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

spencer

If the starter is just clicking. Yep time to get a jump start and get the battery checked. You'll probably find out its bad.

The battery is 4-5 mo old. The battery light has been lighting then flickering off when accelerating. So I was thinking its the voltage regulator. What I dont understand are the kiniptions this thing goes through when trying to start. I'm wondering if it will start after its cooled down, it seems very hot. Is there a connection that may be loose?

spencer

the wipers are known to do that if the battery is dead, that's a known fact. sounds like you need to do some electric gremlin hunting. who did the alternator and what did they put there?

A 10V battery reading is pretty common for a battery with a dead cell. The voltage probably drops even lower when you turn the key and (try to) engage the starter. The jumper cables will bring your voltage up to a normal level which should clear up the buzzing and flashing lights. Are there other kiniptions that might give us some more clues? From your description, I take it this is a V6. (?)

I would bet it is the battery. My 95 lx v-6 did the same thing. New battery cured it. Make sure you get the correct size and cold cranking amps and what not. Got mine at Batteries Plus for 80 bucks. Also I think a smaller or incorrect battery would tax and fry the alt. Good luck. Let us know.

Dont' get too worked up. How long ago did you replace the alternator? Double check ALL connections especially at the battery. Your voltage is way too low. Voltage while off doesn't mean anything, it's the reserve amperage. Jump the car and put a meter @ the battery terminals. If you're at or above 14v the alternator is fine. If it's below that then it's bad. Good news is if the alternator is fine and the battery is bad, the battery should be warrantied. The regulator is built into the alternator. I've seen my voltage go up to 16v on super hot days as soon as it's started. Of course it trickles on down. Please email me so I can see if I can help you diagnose this.

HTH John
jc-aimhigher@webtv.net

Battery is definitely discharged.

Full charge is 12.65
by 12 volts it's only 50% charged.

Definitely could be a bad cell like was stated. The summer heat kills batteries as bad as freezing temps. Sometimes more as the higher temps cause the battery to get overcharged quickly...

Modern batteries that are working properly are charged to about 14V. If your under 13V, you have a problem with the charge on the battery.

I jumped it then tested the voltage across the battery, 10V. So I guess it is the alternator again rather than a bad battery cell. I wonder if all my electrical problems are peculiar to living here in the south?

Thanks for all the replies. I'm sure I'll be back for further advice in the future. The only car I ever owned with as many problems was a 71 spitfire! Both nice cars to drive, but pains in the ass to keep on the road!