1995 Chevy Camaro Engine Won’t Start – Battery Dead?

Reader Question My husband was a mechanic and took care of everything, but in August 2006 was killed by a hit and run driver. So after 33 years I am on my own – still reeling on that one – but he would have been pleased to see i did absorb a little – but very little

1995 Chevy Camero – less than 70,000 miles – had been starting it once a week, but then didn’t

when i tried to start after 3 weeks all i got was clicks – charged it myself to no avail – took to auto parts place they charged and tested it battery ok

put back in car – tightened up cables – turned key and got all my panel lights again (before the battery was charged – no lights at all) door open dings working fine

as soon as i turned key all the way to turn over engine – heard a quick bleep and lost everything

no panel lights, nothing, engine never made the first whir – tried to start again nothing – not 1 light zip

????? what do you think????

Melissa

Hi Melissa,

Sorry to hear about your husband…that must really be tough, I’m saying a prayer for you right now.

On your car, it really sounds like you have a bad battery OR a bad connection at the battery. You should NOT be able to easily move the battery cables on the battery with your bare hands.

Turn on the headlights.

If the headlights are dim or not working all together – you probably have a bad/weak battery – regardless of charging or testing – replace it.

If the headlights are on good and bright but go OUT when you turn the key to start, you have a loose or dirty connection at the battery. Remove the cables, clean the battery bolts inside the cable end and reattach.

If the headlights are good and bright, try starting the engine while someone watches the headlights. If the headlights DIM when you turn the key to START…you probably have a weak battery OR a bad starter motor. You can sometimes hear a “click” from under the passenger side of the vehicle if you have a bad starter motor.

If the headlights are bright, and stay bright as you turn the key, you might have an alarm problem, a wiring or a grounding problem or an ignition switch type of problem

Blessings,

Austin Davis