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Markus Tindell
Markus Tindell asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 1 decade ago

Turn ignition key, one click and everything shuts off?

Then a minute later I pressed the brake and the lights and everything turned back on until I tried to start the engine again.

1999 Buick Park Avenue. I drove through some water over the road a couple days ago (didn't see it coming) but I doubt it was more than 6 inches. Any ideas what's wrong?

Update:

I will try jumping but it seems to me like the car shorts out when I turn the ignition. Both times it was after the first start or click. I had the hood open for the second attempt and I thought I saw the actual spark.

Update 2:

I haven't tried to jump it yet and I only thought I saw a spark I might have imagined it.

Update 3:

Jumped it and it started right up.

4 Answers

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  • Scott
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    What the Bax guy said ... good Maintenance helps and you might want to check the water level in your battery ... if its low ... fill it up with distilled water ( Distilled has Ions in it ... as apposed to using tap water will kill your Battery... over time ) but what you desrcibed to me sounds like a short maybe too? check Starter & Altenator ... but first start with Charging ( OR Replacing) your Battery... & check & clean cable terminals

  • thebax2006
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Clean the side post battery cables. You need to take them apart, pry the bolt out and wire brush the bolts and cable clamps on both sides. Try the switch again. GM does have failure of the electrical portion of the ignition switch, I would have said replace it right away if it wasn't for you mentioning seeing a spark. Was the spark from jumper cables? Anyhow clean the cables and check the ignition switch.

    Source(s): Mitsubishi Master Tech
  • Vetteburna
    1 decade ago

    Water dint damage your car, most likely its time for a new battery.

    You can try brushing the battery poles clean from any acid buildup, but if you don't have any experience with batteries I highly suggest you not to, Its extremely dangerous.

    Source(s): BMW engineering student
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Could be a bad battery try boosting it with a good battery. If it starts replace the bad battery.

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