Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting ignition clicking - then starting

Hi,

I'm having a weird, new problem with my 97 Mystique, approximately 51,000 miles.

Usually the car starts easily. However, over the last two-three weeks, it has taken me several attempts to get the thing started on various occasions. What happens is that I get in the car, turn the ignition and then nothing execept some clicking. I wait, turn the ignition again, more clicking. Another attempt and then the alarm starts sounding, more clicking. Another attempt and now the alarm starts and the wiper starts. After about 5-6 attempts, the starter begins to crank and the thing turns over.

It seems to happen if I leave anything like the headlights, blinkers or interior lights on for anything more than a minute or two.

Is this my battery going? Do I just need to clean the terminals? Ideas more than welcome

Thanks,

- Mystified Mystique owner.

P.S. Nice to see this site back.

GET a new battery ASAP. Mine had the same problem. However I encountered this when i was driving at night. I had my headlights on, and radio on.. ALL the sudden everything goes dim, my radio shuts off and the car starts to sputter out.. I pull over and the car shut off. I tried to start it again, and the EXACT same situation with me happened to you. Clicking, dinging, alarm going, wipers going.. So, word to the wise, just get a new battery as soon as u can!

Sounds like the battery, or it could be the starter selinoid. I've never messed with mine on my Tour, but older GM's are good for this and the fusible link near the strter

If it is the original battery, then it definitely needs replacing. If it is a newer battery (within the last year or two), then you might also want to check your alternator.

Thanks to everyone for your answers. It's kind of what I suspected. Got the car used two years back and this is the same battery that was in there when I got it, so it's probably due for a change.

Thanks again!