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Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it ForumIf you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a Check Engine Light that won't go away, ask about it here!
I'm working on a Honda Civic (1995) and would love some advice!
I replaced spark plugs, wires, valve gasket, but when I try to start the car I can get it to crank, but not sure if I have enough cranking power because the battery is completely dead and I am using jumper cables to try and start it from another running vehicle.
It cranks as you can hear, but it won't keep cranking long enough for the engine to turn over.
Well, that was a thought....yes. I don't have a charger so I thought about buying a new battery, but I was wondering if that would make any difference. So my decision is either a battery charger or a new battery. A charger is less money so I might go that route first because I don't think the battery is all that old. Maybe a few years. Thanks for the input!
UPDATE: I purchased a battery charger a few days ago and it's still charging it. It may take a few days because it was probably completely dead. The charger recognized the battery though and I confirmed with the manufacturer that charge time can take a while. So stay tuned!
Disconnect that battery, and carefully connect the jumper cables to the Other vehicle, with out that battery connected, and if you have a good set of cables and connections you shold be able to eliminate the battery from the equasion.. unless you have the battery charger set to trickle charge it should not take hours to charge.
little charger you just plug into the wall and apparently it's a very slow, trickle charge type device? It's been on the batter five days and running. I disconnected it and hooked up the battery leads and the vehicle did respond. The ignition lights came on, but I didn't want to try and start it because it's probably not close to being done. I had no idea it took that long to charge a battery. Either the battery is jacked or the charger is very misleading how they market it, not sure. I'll test on another battery after a few more days just to be sure it's not a charger defect. I doubt it, I just think it's a trickle charger type device, not a full-scale, powerful charger. I remember those things being pretty big back in the day. Battery chargers I mean.
I think it's only about three years old or so. But, I'd have to check those numbers to be sure.
Do batteries just flat out become bad if a vehicle is not driven regularly? I know this car sat for long periods of time and I never put a trickle charger on it so maybe they become weak over time.
Oh, definitely. What you could do is check the voltage with it connected to the charger and then after when it isn’t. If there’s a harsh drop (a decrease at all, really) in voltage, your battery will need replacing.
From that products webpage....you linked to the Genius1. 1 amp charger would take a very long time, not 5 days though. If it's still hooked up to the car it may not charge at all. Not sure if you removed or unhooked the battery from the car before charging.
Yeppers, I removed the battery terminals before charging. I only connected them for a few minutes to see if I had any juice yet. A little it seemed, but not much.
I plan to measure some voltage numbers this evening (found my meter!!) to see if the battery is losing voltage soon after I disconnect the charger to at least know that information.
Yeah, I'm no expert mechanic, nor do I have a fabulous set of tools, man. But, I do enjoy tackling various projects as long as I have to energy, tools, and space to attempt it!
You are dragging this on for way to long. painful for us.. if you hook it to another car with a good set of cables, 20 or 30 minutes should put enough juice in the battery to start they car.
Go to Walmart buy a battery.. they are not that expensive.. if that does not fix the problem take it back.
I will get a battery, although you can't just take them back according to everyone I talked to. Once you leave the store and hook it up to a vehicle it then becomes a used battery and they won't accept it back. I've called three different popular stores, including Wally World. That's why I wanted to make sure it was or wasn't a battery issue. They are close to $100 and I don't enjoy just throwing money away if I can test things first.
I did not have time to get a battery this past weekend, but I will. I can't remove my other batteries out of my other vehicles to test on the Civic because there is zero room to seat the larger batteries. The leads on the Honda are very short, so I'd need some type of extender cables if they make such a thing. So everything is leading to more work, which I anticipated. Since the Civic battery does not hold a charge now I know it's bad and will go ahead and buy one when I have time.
On a side note, I removed my plugs to check the gaps (they were fine BTW) and notice how cruddy they look already with just a few start attempts. Is this normal? I mean, I expected them to look a tad dirty, but these were pretty bad to me. Maybe not. (Sorry for the huge photo)
What could cause plugs to get trashed so quickly? That might be something I need to investigate too.
I can't remove my other batteries out of my other vehicles to test on the Civic because there is zero room to seat the larger batteries. The leads on the Honda are very short, so I'd need some type of extender cables if they make such a thing.
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Re: Car Won't Start! - Seeking Advice!
Spray them with brake clean and see if it comes off easy.
can also get a battery from a junkyard. A yard near me charges $40-60 and they come charged, tested, and a 2 year replacement warranty
Well, I was able to get my Civic running finally. Not sure what the exact issue was, but I replaced plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, cleaned injectors, new valve gasket, and new seals for the plugs, etc. It fired right up and purrs like an old kitten! Interesting. I really surprised myself because I don't work on cars and I had to learn every step of the way. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Car Won't Start! - Seeking Advice! 
But, I do enjoy tackling various projects as long as I have to energy, tools, and space to attempt it! 
