Why isn't my car starting?

Asked by Efren Aug 29, 2020 at 09:40 AM about the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car recently over heated a few days ago. I added a
coolant/antifreeze mix the same day, and the problem
went away. The next day I had a few delayed starts but
everything else functioned pretty well. Then when I woke
up this morning the car wouldn't start. And by not starting
I mean... it just clicks once and that's it! I checked under
the hood and notice my serpentine belt had an oily
substance on it. I've tried to jump start it with booster
cables and still nothing. I have no clue what's going on.
Can someone please help

2 Answers
41,240

TDolby answered 4 years ago

The battery might be too weak to even jump start. Have it tested at your auto part store. It should read 12.5V. Since you over heated you could have other damage. Find the reason you overheated. Is it a coolant leak? I'd change the oil as well since the engine got hot.

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157,625

James answered 4 years ago

The excessive heat may have burned out the starter. Remove it and have it tested. If the starter is bad and you're replacing it with a rebuilt one, be careful! Your GT model has the 3.8L V6. The starter for it and the 3.1L V6 look the same at a glance. So they're often boxed wrong. Carefully inspect your starter next to the new one. Make SURE they're the same length and diameter (fatness) before you buy the new one. If the new one is shorter and thinner it's boxed wrong, bottom line and you don't want it! It will probably work for a month or two if it's not the correct one, but you'll be right back to replacing it in a short time. I have a 2000 GT and I refused two starters before I got the right one! So be on the lookout!! Hope that helps! Jim

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