# Electrical problem - 98 Prizm

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** prizm, batteries, starters, electrical-wiring\
**Created:** [June 21, 2007, 12:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782 "2007-06-21T00:38:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kdvansciver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@kdvansciver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kdvansciver)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2007, 12:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782/1 "2007-06-21T00:38:55Z")

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Hello, here’s my trouble - when I turn the key on my Prizm, I initially get power, and the engine clicks without cranking. Then when I try again, I get no power at all, and no click. I can jumpstart the engine, and the alternator seems to be working fine. I’ve checked for loose wires and broken fuses, but nothing seems amiss. What else could this be? Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2007, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782/2 "2007-06-21T00:52:45Z")

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[b]The alternator seems to work fine? Have you tested the alternator for output?

What should done at this point to determine the problem is, have the alternator tested for output, and have the battery load tested to see if it’s bad.

Tester[/b]

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2007, 1:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782/3 "2007-06-21T01:10:50Z")

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Try cleaning the battery posts and connections. If that doesn’t help, have the battery charged & load tested. Classic symptoms of corroded battery connection or bad battery (high resistance internally).

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2007, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782/4 "2007-06-21T01:17:16Z")

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Hello, cleaned the terminals thoroughly and runs well - thanks!

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2007, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-problem-98-prizm/782/5 "2007-06-21T01:17:48Z")

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Hello, cleaned the terminals thoroughly and runs well - thanks!