please help

my car wont start, the head lights, dash board, and radio turn on okay. the engine gives a clicking sound when i try to start. ive read on these forums to tap the starter and battery, but i dont know where the starter is. im a real noob when it comes to engines, so i may need some specific detail on where to find it. thanks for any help you can offer.

 

its most likely the starter if the battery isn't dead..

 

When my car wouldnt start it was the fuse for my alarm i could do the samethings you are saying but car just would not start.

 

Starter, especially if it's clicking. Did you change anything on the car?

 

Replace that starter.

 

or at least take it out and get it tested.

 

what engine do u have? we need to know in order to direct to where the starter is located.

 

When it clicks, does everything flicker.... Is your clock wrong, and your presets gone? If so, it ain't your starter. Get a jump and go with all your accessories off. Drive around for a bit and then go to Autozone and have it tested. I bet it won't hold a charge under load. Then you will just be out $65.00 for a battery.

 

battery is my guess like everyone else said lol

 

I only say that because of my most recent issue with the Mistress... One dead ass battery. Did the same thing. And sure enough it was the battery.

 

yeah, first check your fuse in the fuse box, if you dont know which fuse is the right thing..
check all for 15 number on the side of the fuse.

I had a same problem.
Maybe other problem you could have, but try it!

 

how many miles are on the car? Did u notice any clicking or weird sounds from the engine before it stopped working? for me... it was the alternator.

 

You should go get a multimeter if you don't have one already, then you can check the battery yourself. It should read right around 12 volts-give or take 1.5 v-when the ignition isn't on. If you get your car started the battery should read around 14 volts. With the car running and the multimeter on the battery have someone turn on your headlights. If the voltage on the battery drops when the lights are turned on....then you have a bad alternator.

 

It's probably the battery

 

thanks for the replies. i ended up having to get it towed so i wont get a parking ticket. i did try a jump, but that didnt help. i also disconnected the battery and my clock and radio reset. i had the altenator and the ignition switch replaced preiviously. its a 97 3.0 with 130,000 miles or so and the shop i took it to replaced the starter for $300. im not sure if that was a rip, but it was the closest one to my apt. thanks again for the help.