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Won't start, won't crank, electrical system dies- then revives.
(2000 Chevrolet Impala)
Lalo in West Unity, OH on December 17, 2009
2000 Chevy Impala LS. When I turn the ignition switch to crank, I hear some electrical device contact chattering, the engine does not crank and the electrical system immediately goes dead, no lights, horn, turn signals, not anything.
After a few minutes the electrical system revives fully until I try to crank the engine again and the same thing happens. Seems like a short circuit somewhere. The temperatures have been in the teens and 20s lately. Mabye temperature related? I checked all of the fuses under the hood, all OK.
I have the front up on blocks ready to drop the starter, but thought I should get some other opinions first.
I checked the battery and the alternator when I could still get it started. The battery is marginal, the alternator output is good, the battery terminals are clean.
I just went outside to try to start it one more time before sending this email. Guess what, it started 10 times in a row. I really need some help.
Please Help
Lalo
After a few minutes the electrical system revives fully until I try to crank the engine again and the same thing happens. Seems like a short circuit somewhere. The temperatures have been in the teens and 20s lately. Mabye temperature related? I checked all of the fuses under the hood, all OK.
I have the front up on blocks ready to drop the starter, but thought I should get some other opinions first.
I checked the battery and the alternator when I could still get it started. The battery is marginal, the alternator output is good, the battery terminals are clean.
I just went outside to try to start it one more time before sending this email. Guess what, it started 10 times in a row. I really need some help.
Please Help
Lalo
Displaying 4 answers & 2 comments
Popular Answer
dandd on December 18, 2009
First thing to do is to replace your Battery. The chattering is your Starter solenoid. After you replace your Battery, then make sure you have at least 14.1 volts at the Battery terminals when your car is running,if not, then your Alternator maybe worn out. If your Battery is already new, then Charge it up and do the voltage check.
Lalo on December 29, 2009
Visitor on March 27, 2010
I HAVE A 2000 IMPALA AS WELL IVE HAD THE SIMILAR PROBLEM TOO....FIRST I GOT A BRAND NEW BATTERY THEN AFTER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED I ENDED UP PUTTING IT IN THE SHOP AND HAD THEM CHECK THE CRANK SENSOR AND/OR IGNITION CONTROL MODULE...THAT WAS MY FIX!
Visitor on June 11, 2010
i had the same problem...i replaced the ignition cylinder...where the key goes there was a bad connection....solved the problem.
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