It just won't start after I turn the key?

Maintenance/Repairs
,
1

Why does my baby 93,000 who I’ve loved since 2005 not turn over when I turn her on? Some mornings she teases me when I turn the key, but then just goes asleep again. I’ll turn her on again, and we’re good to go! At times, she cooperates with me in cooler weather. Have any suggestions to keep our relationship perfect?

2

First thing I’d do is remove and clean the battery posts.

3

OK great! what is the best thing to clean those with please? Are battery posts the connectors? Thanks for helping. I’m don’t know alot about my car but am very loyal with all maintanence and car care. This one is stumping me.

4

not turn over when I turn her on?

Could you be more specific. What exactly does turn-over mean to you? You turn the key and you hear the engine being rotated by the starter or maybe you turn the key and the engine starts to rotate under it’s own gasoline power?

Yea, a good easy start would be to clan those battery cable connections (clean both ends of both wires.

5

I just checked the battery connections and nothing is corroded. Everything looks good. I should probably get a new battery since its the original since 2005 with 93,000 miles, no?
To be more specific…I turn the key and fuel is getting to the engine. It will turn more than once. Then she’s dead again. If I take a deep breath before turning again, she’ll start right up.

6

You can’t always tell what you need to know by “looking.” Sometimes the problem is obvious, sometimes not. You should just pull the terminals off, clean it all, and then reinstall making sure the connections are good and tight. For a few bucks you can pick up little wire brush tools made for cleaning the terminals, or you can use any wire brush (a little baking soda & water will do wonders as well). Wear eye protection.

Then, run it into an auto parts store - many of them will test your battery and charging system for free. This will tell you whether or not it is time for a new battery. (Those same auto parts stores will often install for free when you buy a battery from them).

7

Thanks! I’m going to run to Auto Zone now to do that. I want to start the New Year off right. I hope it is that simple. I’ll let you know.