Got one of my sisters a jumper pack last year and she's already had to use it several times

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Might not be a bad idea to supply her with a jumper pack like this:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d...=jumper+pack+lithium

In case she has any further problems

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:

quote:

Originally posted by 4x5:
WalMart replaced the battery for free, since it was only a year old. They said they've been seeing a lot of dead batteries lately because of the cold.

So did this solve her problem?

Who knows. I don't expect to hear from her again until she needs something else
She's supposed to take it to AutoZone tomorrow to have the alternator checked, I'll ask her to ask them to check the entire ignition system if they can.

Thanks everyone for your help.

The new battery probably fixed it. The starting without key in ignition could have been sticking contacts in the starter relay (in glove box) area.

If clicking persists, check the starter relay, and the other relays in the glove box.

I doubt she has an alternator problem - Wal-mart would not have replaced the battery unless it tested poorly.

Definitely a dead battery, if it starts right up on a jump start.

Now, you need to know if the battery is bad or just not getting a proper charge.

I know you replaced the battery already, but Batteries Plus Bulbs is a good source to have a battery checked. They can see what the charge is and measure the CCA to see if its adequate.

If the car has a voltage gauge, you can see if the voltage is around 14V with the engine running. Turn on headlights, heater fan on high, rear window defroster, etc. and see if it drops considerably.