I could use some opinions on my car troubles

"Alex Murel" (alexandermurel)
10/21/2015 at 10:13 • Filed to: None

Last night my 2011 Buick Regal refused to start after having just been driven. It will attempt to turn over, but never quite manages even that. All of the other electronics turn on and function and it didnt take a jump start. The battery is getting on in age, so its probably not a bad place to start but the battery warning light isnt on. If that doesnt do the trick anyone have any ideas on what it could be? The easy route would be to plug in an OBD II scanner but I dont have one of those at the moment.

DISCUSSION (12)

LeftOfTheDial > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 10:25

How did you try to jump it? Most common problem people make is+ to + and - to -. This will kill a battery. Hook your - up a solid ground and let assisting car idle for 15min then try

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 10:27

Are the windows working at their normal speed? Sounds more like the starter than the battery to me.

crowmolly > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 10:30

So the starter spins when you turn the key? Or not? Just verifying.

Alex Murel > LeftOfTheDial
10/21/2015 at 10:41

Solid ground, dont worry, I’m not quite that bad with my vehicles. I wrench on my motorycycles, but dont touch my car because its never needed it.

Alex Murel > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
10/21/2015 at 10:43

Yup, thats what I was thinking, I didnt want to say it in the post just in case it biased answers.

Alex Murel > crowmolly
10/21/2015 at 10:47

It just ends up clicking and grinding, which my bike does when its battery cant turn it, but with every thing else working as normal it seems like it has enough power.

Svend > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 11:25

The 2011 Buick Regal is the same as the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia. Have you done a pedal test to see if there is a fault code?

Alex Murel > Svend
10/21/2015 at 11:50

Huh, I didnt know that the pedal test was a thing, I’m gonna see if thats possible.

Svend > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 11:58

Ye’, with the car out of gear, push down on the brake and accelerator, turn the key to the second position (don’t start the car) and the error codes will show on the small screen. Then Google ‘Vauxhall Fault code #####’ or ‘Opel Fault Code #####’ and it’ll tell you what it is. All Vauxhalls and Opels do it as far as I’m aware.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAjw2mCi-B8

Another handy one is opening the windows on the car and closing them with the remote key fob, press and hold the unlock button to open (release when your happy with how far open you want) and press and hold the lock button to close them.

Alex Murel > Svend
10/21/2015 at 12:22

Honestly, if the car windows one works, Imma be a little pissed. My old volkswagen had a feature like that (key in drivers door lock) and I loved it, but it didnt seem to work on this car, but I didnt try holding the buttons on the key fob.

Svend > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 12:25

The key fob thing works for most if not all VAG cars also.

It’s handy when cleaning the tops of the windows when cleaning the cars rather than having the key in the ignition at the second position and then walk round each window.

DipodomysDeserti > Alex Murel
10/21/2015 at 22:24

If its clicking and grinding while trying to crank it’s most likely your battery. The battery lights usually indicate a problem with your charging system, not the battery itself. Take the battery to a car shop and they’ll test it for free