Page 1 of 1

weird starting sequence.

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 3:18 am
by Murdoc
This morning it was 0 degrees very cold. I went out to go to work attempted to start my 03 base vibe and no crank, however the four way blinked maybe 3 or 4 times and the dash lights lit up all of them. I took the key out of the ignition and with no key in the ignition same thing happened the four ways blinked 3 or 4 times and all the dash lights lit up up and the engine made a brief sound like it tried to crank, then it shut off. I attempted again with the key with same result. Took the key out of the ignition again and it did the same sequence without the key. I tried the key for a 3rd time and it cranked ever so slowly but started finally.What happened is this a sign the battery is low?

Re: weird starting sequence.

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 5:58 am
by sideshowalan
It's the sign of a weak battery.

Starting a car in the cold is the most demanding task you can put on a battery.

When you shop for a new one, compare the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) rating.
Get a battery with the highest CCA you can afford.

Re: weird starting sequence.

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 6:24 am
by Salsa Guy
Sounds like a battery. Make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. Summer time heat is hard on batteries but winter time cold exposes the weakness.