Camaro won't start!

**SS Camaro UK** · 11-22-2011, 12:26 PM

Help, my car wouldn't start today! I turned the key, all the lights came on as normal but when I turned the key to start it, there was a clicking sound as though a cog was trying to spin against something that was stuck.

It's only been one week since last use and I keep it in a garage when I'm not using it.

Now here's the big problem, the average garage in the UK is small so I need to get it out of the garage to work on it, but as it's an auto I can't get it out of Park and into Neutral without first starting it, but I need to get it into Neutral so I can roll it out of the garage or at least far enough out so I can get easy access under the hood.

A really tricky situation here, I'd really appreciate if anyone can help.

Thanks in advance.

**justinmc978** · 11-22-2011, 02:45 PM

clicking sound = dead battery

**whitetrashbird** · 11-22-2011, 02:47 PM

Sounds like the battery is dead (or bad connection). If you have enough power for the lights to come on, you should have enough to trip the shift lock off. As long as the key is in the "run" position, you should be able to shift it out of park even if it's not running.

Dan

**cammed goat** · 11-22-2011, 06:46 PM

When you replace the battery, make sure to start the car for a few minutes when the car isn't in use. This will keep the battery from dying prematurely from lack of use.

**SS Camaro UK** · 11-23-2011, 06:18 AM

That is exactly the sound, I'm going to borrow my Dad's battery charger and check connections.

Thank you so much.

**justinmc978** · 11-23-2011, 07:35 AM

my pleasure man.

**SS Camaro UK** · 11-24-2011, 12:02 PM

I charged the battery for 24 hours and now the car starts normally

Does the battery's loss of power indicate a replacement is needed? Are there any issues with the standard AC Delco, if so, does anybody have alternative recommendations?

Cheers all.

**justinmc978** · 11-24-2011, 01:31 PM

how old is it? 4 years is a typical battery life span. I've always used optima red tops, never had an issue.

**JayTA98** · 11-24-2011, 02:16 PM

Same here I had my optima for 3 yrs now and not a single issue.

**SS Camaro UK** · 11-25-2011, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by justinmc978

how old is it? 4 years is a typical battery life span. I've always used optima red tops, never had an issue.

Originally Posted by JayTA98

Same here I had my optima for 3 yrs now and not a single issue.

I don't know the battery's age, but the previous owner of the car had it for three and half years and he told me he'd not changed the battery in that time. I bought it in August, so maybe it is due for a new one. I'll see if optima are available here in the

**matt evans** · 11-26-2011, 10:17 PM

optima=

**SS Camaro UK** · 11-29-2011, 08:43 AM

Optima batteries are availabe in the UK.

Is the one in this link: Red Top 4.2 U - Optima Batteries UK the one that you have in your cars?

***SMWS6TA*** · 11-29-2011, 09:47 AM

OP, a couple of other things to check.

Battery - you've charged it good. Age might be the problem but the alternator and ground could also lead to battery failure.

Alternator - Check it, age and a leaky power steering pump can cause the alternator to die out. If your PS pump is leaking there are a couple of stickies that can help on fixing that. If no leaks, still get it checked out. A weak or dead alternator will kill the battery, replace if needed.

Ground - follow the black cable to where it meets the body, should be right next to the battery on the passenger fender. If it is corroded or loose - clean and re-tighten.

**KMdef9** · 11-30-2011, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by SS Camaro UK:2723448

Optima batteries are availabe in the UK.

Is the one in this link: Red Top 4.2 U - Optima Batteries UK the one that you have in your cars?

Don't waste your money on optima. The price is too high for no benefit over a acdelco, diehard, interstate, etc.

Use the money saved to buy a battery tender and it will make it outlast a optima.

**SS Camaro UK** · 12-23-2011, 12:23 PM

I'm having a real problem with getting a battery, they are available but nobody will ship it's collection only, can you believe it?

I did however find this Top Post to Side Terminal Conversion Cable Pair #5505-010 and wondered if I could buy a top terminal battery, there's plenty locally available and use these.

Any thoughts?

**cammed goat** · 12-23-2011, 01:50 PM

Try that idea. Improvisation is key if you cannot get a side terminal battery.

**JayTA98** · 12-24-2011, 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by KMdef9

Don't waste your money on optima. The price is too high for no benefit over a acdelco, diehard, interstate, etc.

Use the money saved to buy a battery tender and it will make it outlast a optima.

I always used diehard and interstate. They are awesome batteries. I will most likely get me one of those when my optima needs replacement.

**SS Camaro UK** · 12-31-2011, 04:05 AM

Great news, I finally found a place that ships and funnily enough they're only 15 miles away so I could easily collect as well.

Isn't it strange, that you can't see what's right in front of you?

**cammed goat** · 01-02-2012, 10:21 AM

I know that feeling.

**SS Camaro UK** · 01-14-2012, 05:36 AM

Just a quick update with a question. I borrowed my Dad's battery charger and left it low charging my Camaro for just over a week and noticed that the magic eye indicator is now showing green for good. Does this mean that the battery doesn't need replacing after all?
If this is the case, I could get a battery tender of my own straight away to keep the battery maintained.

Thanks all.