Hey crew, I was wondering if you all could help me with a starting issue I'm having: When I turn the key to start my car, the dash goes dim, tach dies and an angry creature noise comes from the left dashboard near the fuse box. It seems to me this is a relay. Does this sound like the right diagnosis? I'm driving a 1991 DX sedan. Thanks!

-Kienan

 

Sounds like corroded battery connections or a weak battery which provides enough current for the small stuff but gives up on the big stuff. The big stuff is when it tries to crank the engine. Take it to the dealer and they will want to change out your fly wheel, just kidding.

 

Yes these are the symptoms of a weak or run down battery or bad connections at the battery. Try jump starting it, or if it's a manual, it should roll-start OK.

 

Yeah, sure enough the connections were bad. Now the thing cranks but won't turn over. The weather has taken a cold turn here in VT and I was gone the past 10 days so I'm going to try some starter fluid tomorrow and see if that will dig me out of this hole fast. If not, "I'll be back." Thanks again for the help guys.

-Kienan