car suddenly won't start...

[iliketocrash]

alright now i'll admit that this has nothing to do with my 240. its my $300 volvo winter car. its been running great until i tried to start it this morning. All the lights come on, nothing seems to be dim or go dim, but when i turn the key all i get a single click sound from underneath the hood. That's it. The battery looks brand new and i'm pretty sure it is. No corrosion on the terminals and all the grounds look clean and secure. I haven't had a chance to really look at it because its all the way out in my driveway and its really dark out, not to mention its literally about 2 degrees outside. Anyone have any ideas? Is my starter shot or might it actually be my battery/alternator? I'd really appreciate the help.

[NeedCAforS13]

if you think its the starter, get a long metal thing and tap on the starter slightly... it sometimes works on cars we get at Nissan that won't start...

if its not that, try jump starting the car, to find out if its the battery or not:)

Sean

[iliketocrash]

i'll be sure to try that when i get a chance tomorrow morning. until then, any other input? i wanna try and get as much as i can outta this so i don't have to repost. i can't live without a car. i'll get fired from my job.

[float_6969]

It's any (or all) of three things, battery, starter, or alternator. I would imagine it's a bad starter. They have a tendancy to go out in the winter as they have to work harder to turn the engine over due to the cold. Beat on it some and see if it cranks. If not, check the voltage coming out of the battery. You should have about 12DCV. If that all comes out alright, then check and double check your terminals and grounds. That is the most common cause. 90% of the time, it's one of those. If it does turn out to be the battery (I doubt it), then you'll also want to check the alternator, as it may not have been charging it properly. If you can get the car started, there is a single large (relative to the others that connect to it) wire that is screwed to the alternator. That is the positive output. With the car running and everything turned off, put the positive lead on that terminal and the negative lead on the body of the alternator. You should get about 12.5VDC. If not, you may have an alternator problem. Try all of that and let us know.

[NISTECH]

if you have a volt meter put it on the small wire going to the starter and turn the key to the crank position. if you get 12 volts at that wire when turning to crank its your starter.

[float_6969]

Do what he said, it's easier...

[iliketocrash]

i don't have a volt meter though...

[NISTECH]

test light?

[iliketocrash]

i tried to start the car today and it started right up. i thought maybe it was a temperature thing but according to the thermometer it was colder today than it was yesterday! so i don't know. Thanks for all your help guys. I'm gonna check everything out before it decides to die again.

[float_6969]

That sounds like a bad connection to me. Check your battery terminals and make sure they are clean.