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I have a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire.

If I turn the key to 'ON', the electrics turn on. Lights, radio, fans, the works. Everything is normal. If I turn the key to 'START', then the whole car dies. Everything goes out, lights, fans, dash lights, everything. Turning it off then back to 'ON', and I get nothing.

If I leave it for a few hours, I can turn it back to ON and get the electronics will turn on. I've checked the fuses and they're fine.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

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  • Does it ever start? How's the ignition switch? This sounds like an intermittent problem
    – Zaid
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 6:28
  • It started fine yesterday. I've never seen something like this before.
    – Mark Robinson
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 6:33
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    Could you test your battery? A weak battery is another possible cause for what you're seeing.
    – Zaid
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 6:36
  • Agreed with Zaid, battery is the first thing you check. First check if the clamps are on tightly. If they are, remove them and clean them and the posts with a wire brush. If still nothing, then test the battery itself, it's possibly dead.
    – I have no idea what I'm doing
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 9:19
  • Does the car have an immobilizer?
    – HandyHowie
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 9:48

1 Answer 1

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One of your connections at the battery is bad. Your vehicle should most likely be a side post battery. Loosen the battery bolt a little, wiggle the connections, then tighten it back down and see if that helps. Ensure both sides are tight.

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  • This did it. I checked the voltage at the terminals, it was wandering all over the place. I unscrewed the terminals, which I could do by hand. Checked the voltage, it was fine. Screwed them down firmly and the car started. The car started with a rather angry noise, so I hooked it up to my battery charger and left it. Now it starts with no problems.
    – Mark Robinson
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 3:09
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    Using the charger to get the charge back up to snuff was a good choice!
    – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 10:03

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