New altenator and battery but my vehicle is still silent and won't start?

Question

Hey everyone, I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT 4 cylinders but it won't start it's just silent nothing will come on inside. I just got a new alternator and battery installed 2 days ago and the car is still silent and won't do nothing. I tried to have it jumped to see if it would at least start so I can get it to a mechanic but all it did was click while the jumper cables where connected. I don't know what the problem is and I'm stressed out and frustrated about the situation. Could it be the starter or something else. I just hope its nothing major like the engine or something of that nature.

Answer 1

You say it just clicks when trying to jump it, does it do the same thing when not connected to another battery in an attempt to jump it? Meaning, when you're not trying to jump it, does it also click, or is there nothing? The clicking means the starter isn't getting enough voltage. Could be the starter, could be the solenoid. If it doesn't click when you have just the battery attached, but not hooked to a jumper car, I'd guess your battery is no good (even if new). If you put a voltmeter on it, you should see 12-14. Clean the terminals with baking soda and water, or you can buy a aerosol spray for cleaning them at the auto parts store too. Sometimes to check that starter solenoid, you can give it a decent whack with a hammer or broom handle.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if your battery is a side terminal or a top post. But I have a side terminal in my 99 Jimmy. I replaced the battery because it was no good and when I hooked up the new one. Nothing. It would click then the whole truck died. I played around with those bolts and I got i got it to work. Those side terminal batteries can be finicky and complicated. No problems since. If you got a battery with posts on the top then I'm willing to bet it's just a bad connection. Take your wires off and wrap a pencil or something that will fit in those holes with sand paper and go through those holes with it. Same thing with the battery. Scrub the terminals with sandpaper until they look glittery. Put everything back together and try it. If you've kept up with oil changes and it wasn't making any bad noises before it quit running, you can rule out the engine. It could be the neutral safety switch but I highly doubt that based on your description.

Answer 3

Someone has probably already suggested this but check the connection to your battery make sure everything is on there really good and to be sure it's all connected well get a flat head screwdriver and scratch off and dirt on your battery terminals and the the wires connecting to your battery if it still only clicks take the screw driver and tap on the starter with the handle of the screw driver while some tries to start the car and if all that fails check your wires from the distrubutor to the ignition coil which I doubt is the problem but it's a possibility. Also, although I'm sure multiple people have already said this, make sure your battery has a charge. Hope this helps

Answer 4

Someone has probably already suggested this but check the connection to your battery make sure everything is on there really good and to be sure it's all connected well get a flat head screwdriver and scratch off and dirt on your battery terminals and the the wires connecting to your battery if it still only clicks take the screw driver and tap on the starter with the handle of the screw driver while some tries to start the car and if all that fails check your wires from the distrubutor to the ignition coil which I doubt is the problem but it's a possibility. Also, although I'm sure multiple people have already said this, make sure your battery has a charge. Hope this helps

Answer 5

You say it just clicks when trying to jump it, does it do the same thing when not connected to another battery in an attempt to jump it? Meaning, when you're not trying to jump it, does it also click, or is there nothing? The clicking means the starter isn't getting enough voltage. Could be the starter, could be the solenoid. If it doesn't click when you have just the battery attached, but not hooked to a jumper car, I'd guess your battery is no good (even if new). If you put a voltmeter on it, you should see 12-14. Clean the terminals with baking soda and water, or you can buy a aerosol spray for cleaning them at the auto parts store too. Sometimes to check that starter solenoid, you can give it a decent whack with a hammer or broom handle.

Answer 6

I asked you in your other (same) question: "If you turn headlights on, what happens?" But you said nothing. How do you expect to be helped? This test is very basic, and all of us experienced electrical system experts would try it. Maybe you don't understand anything about electricity. You are going to need a test light or voltmeter to do some very basic testing. Then, if you can't find anything, you will need a wiring diagram, and continue testing.



Check whether your city library or nearby college library has an online subscription to Alldata. You can get an electrical diagram of your starting system (which you need now), or your charging system (which you may need next) or a whole vehicle diagram (if you need it in the future). I always consult Alldata for electrical problems.



p.s. I've reread your question, and from your lack of any response, plus an unexpected "thumbs down", I have decided that you don't want to know what's wrong and you don't want any help in finding or fixing the problem. You just want to know if your whole engine could be the problem. In other words, you are fishing for a repair cost guess. Big (thousands) or small (hundreds). You provide an emotional response to the problem, not a logical one. You seem to be female.

Answer 7

My 2 cents, I had.a problem a long time ago, and all I did was clean the battery posts to make it start. Probably not your problem with a new battery, however look at where the battery cables go, on my truck they attach just beside the headlight, (solenoid) clean everything there with a wire brush, and put it all back as it was and make sure it's tightened. This qualifies as a regular maintenance item, do this every 6 months.

Answer 8

Check battery terminals are clean and correctly connected. If there's no feedback when you turn the key it's most likely your starter motor. If nothing actually comes on (radio, wipers, windows, dash lights) you might have a different problem. Most likely battery. Make sure you have the right battery fitted.

Answer 9

Starter. If you hear a click sound from the starter or the direction where the starter is. Thats the boy. Now even makes sound try to hammer it. If it starts good at least you know is 100% starter replacement. Doesn't start it may be completely dead. So what you can do remove it and take it to a any auto retail shop to test it. They will run it 2x they will tell you either good or bad. Check your terminals clean them. Check your fuses.

Answer 10

Same thing happened to my 07 cobalt I tried alternator and starter and battery and battery cables but it was just that the ground wires were fried because I drove it into a flooded street and the ground wires got fried I know you didn't drive into a flooded street but it can still fry the cables over time also the frying sparks got to the computer and my car computer got disprogramed and my car key also got disprogramed but if you cant take it to a shop work out something with a mechanic ask him if he can come over when he has time to go maybe on a weekend maybe he can go check it out at your house well anyways goodluck

Answer 11

It sounds like the battery isn't staying charged or charging which could be that the cables don't have a good connection. Make sure the jumper cables are touching nothing but the metal post and or bolts/nuts and both batteries and try to start. You may even have to move the jumper cables around a bit while they are attached to get it to work

Answer 12

A loose cable connecting to the battery gave me clicks, and after a new battery a weird computer needed some time to re adjust itself, wiggles the keys and steering wheel somehow fixed the issue. And a dead starter were my culprits before. As well as the alternator, battery, and the dreaded distributer cap connector. And bad cables and bad cables connectors and bad spark plugs. Its not hard to learn how to check for bad parts. It's just hard fixing stuff that aint broke.

Answer 13

Check your cables, the red and black wires that go to your battery, or you could try replacing my the terminal connections because it sounds like your battery isn't contacting but the jumpers just weren't giving you enough juice to start the car and since it's newer than 96 you won't get continued spark to keep the engine running because newer cars need constant battery connection to make the motor run

Answer 14

Oh my God people are stupid answering this, IT IS NOT YOUR STARTER! If your lights do not come on after jumping it then it has nothing to do with getting more juice to the starter but if your lights do when you jump it but it won't start yes starter. That being said My best bet would be bad grounding/bad cables or you simply didn't tighten the terminals enough.

Answer 15

The alternator doesn't do anything to start the car, only to keep it running. If the battery is new, then check the starter solenoid which is likely attached to the starter. If the starter is fine, then check to see if a switch is bad, such as on the clutch or ignition key. You could also try to manually spin the engine by turning it slowly to see if the engine is seized.

Answer 16

Not a mech by any stretch, just my experience with start system clicking: as was posted earlier, clicking means lower than acceptable voltage is reachng the starter motor. I was able to get a clicking auto to crank by cleaning corrosion from battery terminals and no boost. Also, another battery was too low to jump; but, after assuring the terminals were free of corrosion I allowed the boosting auto no less than 3 1/2 min to charge target. Then it cranked and started. -JMTC

Answer 17

Before buying a new starter do a simple cable wiggle on the battery post. Maybe tap on em to with a hmer to make sure their on good. Nothing? Make sure you took the plastic tips off your new battery. Lol if not sounds like a starter or cylanoid issue

Answer 18

What made you rush out and buy a new battery and alternator?

Getting the car recovered to a nechanic was the obvious option in the first place. Mine will collect in this sort of case.

There can be so many causes. Using a multi meter gives a lot of answers. Chucking parts at it is a waste of time and money.

Answer 19

Most likely your starter. Depending on the make and model of your car it will be around a 100 or so. Test your battery by trying to turn it over if your radio comes on then most likely it is not your battery.

Answer 20

Seems like you're just not getting enough "juice" to the starter with the battery you currently have. If jumping the car from another car makes it "click" then that would suggest (to me) that the battery is NFG.



Always check and clean your battery terminals with a small wire brush or piece of sandpaper. Try not to lean on the battery with clothing on. Even a small amount of battery corrosion (looks like green/white powder) can eat thru your clothing in a matter of hours.



Good Luck.

Answer 21

Beat the sh*t out of your starter motor when someone is turning over the engine, a shifter works well. If it goes or sounds like it's trying to go more than when your not beating the starter then it's time for a new starter motor.

Answer 22

You are doing shotgun troubleshooting by replacing parts. Before you waste a pile more money it is time just to get a pro to look at it and be done with it. Chances you already wasted the money you spent on the Alternator and battery.



However, clicking while trying to start a car is usually caused by a bad connection on one of the battery cables. Often, just tightening the connections at both ends of the cables will fix it.

Answer 23

First check your fuzes. If those are good, have tour starter tested at O'Rilley (don't go to auto zone, O'Rilley has only certified mechanics as employees).



If your starter is good, check your ignition switch (the pigtail especially) sometimes they short out or just plain go bad.

Answer 24

If you look in the dictonary next to dodge it says "to avoid" Good tip. Probably starter, dodge had some issues with starter on some models around 2008. And the alternator doesn't have anything to do with the actual starting of the car.

Answer 25

Make sure all the fuses are in good working order. Check your relays to see if they are all working. Don't go replacing parts until you find what is causing it. You didn't need to change alternator and battery so that's a waste. You don't go changing parts till you find the right one. Next time check the basics before replacing items like an alternator or battery. Like for this instance it wasn't either so do trouble shooting before replacing random parts.

Answer 26

If you heard a click listen to we're the clock is

If it's coming from close to the engine most likely it's your starter I know from experience

If it's from the rear then fuel pump

Pretty sure it's your starter

Answer 27

Companies

Answer 28

Usually when it makes a clicking sounds its a battery but when its silent I think it's a starter. # from experience

Answer 29

I guess it's a prob with your starter motor . The tend to jam them selfs . Try putting it in gear and pushing the car forward you need two of you takes a lot of pushing . (Important !!!!) Make sure the ignition is turned off before attempting this . Then after a few pushes try starting it again with the key . Or you could try and bump start it . Good luck

Answer 30

It's possible the solenoid on the starter may have gone out. May need a new starter. Before you do that find the big main power box an check all the fuses. I hope this helps

Answer 31

It's sometimes hit and miss with maintenance, clicking sounds maybe requires a new starter motor if you have replaced battery and alternator already.

Answer 32

You need to check the positive power to your starter. That should be a constant 12 volts even when the car is off. Then check the neutral safety switch wire on the starter (the thin one). You need to test it with a meter, and if you have 12 volts coming out of that wire when the key is turned to start, you have a bad starter or solenoid.

Answer 33

Does the car have an immobiliser fitted? My van started doing this when the batteries for the key fob were running out. It seems the sensor in the steering column reads the key fob & won't let you start the engine without it. Just a thought.

Answer 34

Just went through this with my truck about a week ago. Check the connections between the battery terminal and wires get a test light ground it on the negative battery post the press it on the positive post. If it doesn't light up your battery may be f'd it should light though. Then try on the positive terminal if light then move on to the wires that connect into the terminal touch it on the copper wires not the terminal or rubber casing follow your power source until you find the problem(:

Answer 35

Slide under the car have someone try to turn it over have them keep turning the key off and on and hit the starter with something that will give it a good knock my truck does this every damn day. Then buy a new starter and replace it

Answer 36

I had to buy a triple charger ($20) for my truck and let it charge 12 hours (when I went to bed), and then it was fully charged. Also check to see that all the spark plugs are in right order. That was what else was wrong with my truck then it was perfect. But that could have just been for me, there's no harm in trying

Answer 37

Could also be the connectors that attach to the battery one time my car did this and we did need a starter by he also used a brillo pad to clean off the white stuff on the positive and negative. Then try to jump it but starter should fix the problem unless your engine is blown.

Answer 38

Well I'm "only" a women but maybe the battery cables or connectors/terminals need to be replaced (or cleaned with wire brushes).. If not, it probably needs a starter.

Answer 39

It's probably the starter. I had one that the copper wire which connects the solenoid to the starter was corroded so much it wouldn't make a connection anymore. At least check the starter, it's ground, and the connections on the solenoid and go from there

Answer 40

If it just clicks it's probably the starter. Try having one person tap the starter while another is turning the key. Did this to my brothers car and it started right up.

Answer 41

Try to the cables from the other vehicle longer to have the battery charge for a longer time. Could be that not enough voltage has acumalated which is keeping the car from starting.

Answer 42

Try checking for 12v by backprobing the starter control output wire under the TIPM. You should see a 8 way connector. The yellow/violet wire is the starter control output from the TIPM on the bottom left with the lock facing upward. If you don't got anything there then try jumping 12v to it and see if it engages the starter. If so then you need a TIPM.

Answer 43

The clicking sounds like u got a bad starter, all of your electronics inside should still come on if that's what it is.

Answer 44

Almost everytime ive had a battery problem all i did was hold the crank for like 3-10 seconds.

Answer 45

Starter most likely or if your bad on maintaince no oil or low oil could've caused your engine to seize or you may have driven through water during a rain storm and hydro locked your engine

Answer 46

Honestly since it is clicking sounds like you don't have good enough ground to your starter I had this happen on my 1993 2.3l ford ranger

Answer 47

Starter or maybe a fuse blown some vehicles have multiple starting fuses check them all

Answer 48

Make sure your battery and starter are not at fault, if they are good, make sure the engine is grounded, I ran into that issue two days ago, my engine ground wire completely severed and it showed all the symptoms of a bad starter, leading me to replace the starter myself and wear my knuckles to the bone for no reason before realizing it was just a silly cable.

Answer 49

Could be the starter, or maybe they sold u a bad battery... Try jump strting it. Check that all the cables are connected properly and that the tips of the cable sre nice and clean. It might help to try to scrape off some rust if u have any(make sure that the connectors are not okugged to the battery though to avoid being shocked)

Answer 50

Are the battery terminals swapped? Sounds like you have a loose ground cable, bad lead cable, or someone put that battery in wrong.

Answer 51

What about your Cam or Sparkplugs? Also putting in ingnition fluid when you put gas in your car helps. My car starts up slow right now but that's because I need a new cam sensor

Answer 52

maybe starter motor but then I don't know much about cars myself? Is the battery connected properly? Are any wires lose?

Answer 53

Could be the starter happened to me before but after replacing the starter it started making a loud scratching noise then I replaced the flywheel it worked fine until the computer went out

Answer 54

May be in steering column or fusable link near starter or silinoid even . If u know too jump starter over see if it will crank that way if it does it in ignition switch or silinoid or fusses?

Answer 55

It only clicks when connected in attempt to jump. When not connected and not attempting to jump, it does nothing at all its just silent, no lights nothing. I had a mechanic charge the battery and when jumped it started. The mechanic was able to get it to his repair shop because once you turn it off its not starting back up without a jump. I will let you all know what the mechanic says about it.

Answer 56

If you want to see if its the starter then hit the starter by kicking it or with a hammer. Maybe a dirty terminal if so then put hot water on it. Could be a screwed up wire tho.

Answer 57

If your cluster lights do not even turn on, FIRST thing I always check is the fuse, but start with the main fuses, get a test light and make sure all your fuses and relays are good still

Answer 58

Check your battery connections first make sure they are tight. If it still clicks Take your starter and battery off and have it tested, its free to have it tested my guess is your starter.

Answer 59

get starter checked I had alternator put on and battery jumped car wouldnt start until I got a starter put on

Answer 60

.well you could have a short to ground make sure that didn't Harkins park down there and wiggle the wire and see what it looks like have the starter chilled starter check

Answer 61

Either bad connections starter or solenoid. Sounds like either starter or a fried wire

Answer 62

It definitely sounds like your starter motor. You haven't got enough spark to turn your engine over, hence the reason why your car is just clicking.

Answer 63

Starter solenoid

Answer 64

would disconnect the positive battery cable and take attest light to the other side if lights up you have major short also check starter solenoid could be a computer problem

Answer 65

Definitely starter hit it with hammer then see if it starts make sure all wires are tight on starter and not loose

Answer 66

Check the neg see if it is grounded right no rust .and is making a good clean contact. A cheap malty meter would help you answer most questions

Answer 67

It's probably the Starter

Answer 68

Sounds to me like its the starter solenoid. Take starter to auto parts store that offers testing

Answer 69

Make sure your battery connection is clean the positive side connects to the part that connects to the battery make sure it isn't corroded.

Answer 70

Starter.

Answer 71

You probably have a loose connection to from the starter to the battery, bring it to your local garage and see if they will hook it up to a diagnostic computer for you

Answer 72

Well if it was me i would try checking my spark plugs and would go to advance auto and have them test my battery and alternater just for peace of mind.

Answer 73

Connections, check your connections and battery terminals. Also, sometimes (not often), batteries sit too long on the shelf and loose charge, have it tested.

Answer 74

I had a Chrysler, and it turned out to be the solenoid on the starter that was bad, unfortunately you have to buy a whole new starter

Answer 75

Contrary to what the liberal Hollywood media would have you believe, cars can't talk. Knight Rider, Cars, Transformers... All lies.

Answer 76

Could be the starter, before you waste any more money replacing thngs that dont need to be replaced, find a good auto electrician

Answer 77

If the car won't start than it's the starter.

Answer 78

Make sure to check all your engine fuses and relays my eclipse does this sometimes and im pretty sure its a relay sticking or going bad good luck

Answer 79

Ignition switch

Answer 80

Tow the vehicle to a garage and have a licensed mechanic look at it; do not fool with the electrical system.

Answer 81

Find the fusable link and check it for continuity. It's on one of the battery terminals.

Answer 82

Check starter and wiring going to it check soliode. Go on YouTube and just search testing car starters

Answer 83

Try a new Starter

Answer 84

It's a dodge. What do you expect?

Answer 85

Check ur ignition and battery fues almost guarantee this is ur problem let me know if it works

Answer 86

Check ALL the fuses. There's a chance it could be one of those.

Answer 87

Its most likly is the starter. But it could be your engine is locked up also. Check your engine oil to make sure its on the dip stick. If the oil is on the dip stick the i suggest replaceing starter

Answer 88

you either have an electrical problem or your fuel pump is bad, but word of advice to you don't buy a dodge...

Answer 89

It's probably the starter

Answer 90

It could be to much resistance in the battery cables, try checking the resistance in them and check all of your fuses in BOTH fuse boxes

Answer 91

check the connections on your starter that's where I would start

Answer 92

Try checking the terminals that connect to the battery. They may be dirty or lose. I had this problem with my pickup awhile back.

Answer 93

Maybe needs a new starter

Answer 94

zzz u and i r simillar,i change alternator and check battery is good by machanic,but shuts off while driving and all the power gone when i turn the key or headlight i hear click click from inside zzzzz

Answer 95

Yah

Answer 96

Blown fuselink

Answer 97

Starter motor maybe

Answer 98

Who knows

Answer 99

If nothing works, then it is an electrical problem ,and probably not the starter either. Probably something very minor. Are the battery cables clean and tight?

Answer 100

It just sounds like your ground wire could have came loose

Answer 101

That sounds alot like a starter solenoid issue

Answer 102

Replace the battery cables

Answer 103

Could be list of things not sure with limited info but Check all your fuses and there is a fuse link from your battery to the fuse box under hood make sure its good

Answer 104

Sounds like you have a grounding issue somewhere

Answer 105

Could be starter, clucking noise is a starter problem.

Answer 106

Are the battery cables connected correctly?

Answer 107

Bad starter

Answer 108

a single solid click sounds like a failed solenoid contact set. rapid clicking is a weak battery.

Answer 109

Dont tap the starter take it off and go to AutoZone they can test it

Answer 110

If the starter is clicking when trying to start it then your starter is bad.

Answer 111

Test the starter itself to make sure if its the starter. Search youtube how to do it

Answer 112

Sounds like your starter/solenoid.

Answer 113

Very interesting

Answer 114

Must be connection the battery has to be well installed

Answer 115

Yup I agree

Answer 116

Try generator

Answer 117

it might be the ignition switch take the wire from the ignition side of the alternator and run it to the positive battery

Answer 118

Maybe your engine got locked up

Answer 119

Lol dodge problems

Answer 120

The starter or the bottom wire is loose I guarantee it one of those

Answer 121

Check your engine

Answer 122

To sum.everything up its your starter

Answer 123

its probably a tiny unicorn jumping around poking holes in your exhaust and shitting in filters. I think.

Answer 124

Good choice

Answer 125

Take it to local shop

Answer 126

I agree, when someone asks you to provide information they are trying to help.

Answer 127

Try replacing the starter

Answer 128

Ya

Answer 129

Check the selenoid or starter

Answer 130

Could be starter

Answer 131

If it was me mate , I would check the earth lead , oven clean the contacts , if not broken.

Answer 132

It could be the spark plugs, or your starter motor.

Answer 133

Well my first thing to check are the fuses...if not jump start it

Answer 134

diuble check connection

Answer 135

Check the fuzes and fuzable-links. Not all fuzes are in the fuze box

Answer 136

Make sure everything is connected

Answer 137

Then the alternator and the battery is NOT the problem

Answer 138

Go check the IOD FUSE

Answer 139

No need for rhat

Answer 140

It is the starter for sure

Answer 141

Its the ignition switch

Answer 142

Well if its silent, then ur not really doing ur job now are we? ;)

Answer 143

huh

Answer 144

smack starter with hammer

Answer 145

its your ground cable, I almost guarantee you.

Answer 146

Ok ok

Answer 147

Ok

Answer 148

Ok

Answer 149

Could be spark plugs, wires, distributor, I had the same problem in my 1990 celica, ended up being the distributor, spark plugs, and the ignition coil. Best of luck to you.

Answer 150

STARTER!!!!!!

Answer 151

Idk