I have 144,000 miles on my Saturn. In the last few months, it has had a hard start, but always started. In the last couple of weeks, the engine started not turning over when I turn the key–but it only happens after I have been driving for a while, turn off the car, go into a store, for example, and then come out to start the car 15 or so minutes later. When I turn the key, instead of starting, it makes a clicking sound. If I wait about 30-60 minutes or so, it will then start. When this happened before, I was at a (less than great) garage getting gas, and they replaced the battery. I then took it to a (very reputable) mechanic in town last week, and they replaced the catalytic converter (for a different probem–rattling under car) and did a major engine tune up. I picked up the car and the same not starting problem after being driven happened. The next day, the check engine light went on.
What is the problem? Any insight or advice would be helpful please! I need this car to get to work!
This usually is either a low battery or a bad starter. I leaning toward the starter. The check engine light will be due to another reason, many autoparts stores will read the codes for free. Have them read and post them back here. Note: if you have had a high idle and the code is a P0507, you will need a new intake manifold gasket. Do not get this done at a dealer and use a felpro gasket, not the factory gasket.
Thank you for your reply! I don’t think it could be the battery because they first mechanic replaces that about 2 weeks ago; maybe it is the starter–could it be the relay? I went to Autozone and the code they gave me is P0141–which is the code for the heated oxygen sensor. That was the only code. Would that be connected to the car not starting?