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Asked: Mar 04, 2008 - 10:11 AM

Status: Closed

Have 2003 Pontiac Aztek. Replaced battery, still won't start. How do I check starter, or is there other common problem?

Parts store said battery only had one good cell. When put new battery in the car still won't start. Does make noise but never actually starts. Tried jumping again in case new battery wasn't fully charged, no luck.

In Maintenance & Repair > Electrical > Battery
In Makes & Models > Pontiac > Aztek
In Maintenance & Repair > Engine > No start
2 answers - 503 days ago

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kiawah

Date: Mar 05, 2008
Time: 02:52 PM

Certainly would be VERY unusual to have a battery with only one good cell....they probably said one bad cell. When the first cell goes bad in a battery, you will be having electrical problems like not being able to start, so it is unlikely that you could ever drive it long enough to have a 2nd cell go bad. By that time, nothing would work correctly.

Check the voltage on the battery. It should be in the range of about 13.2 - 14.0 volts when charged.

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patrick88

Date: Jul 11, 2008
Time: 10:51 AM

If you are certain the battery is good, the next things to check are (a) the connections at the battery terminals/posts (clean, tight etc...) (b) battery cables (clean, not cut, etc..) (c) starter relay (is it getting power to it, are the cables securely attached, etc..) (d) starter and solenoid (are they getting power to it, is the solenoid functioning, is the starter mounted securely, is it attempting to engage, etc...) (e) check all fuses and fusable links in this circuit.

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