Help Please, P-Car Won't Start
 

Ok, so I go home at lunch to pick up the P-Car, get in turn the key, all lights come on as usual, then turn to start and nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, starter didn't even do a thing. So, I try again, same thing:( Then one more time same result but wait, the rear spoiler starts to go up:confused: then it retracted! Then the airbag light came on.
Tested the headlights, they work. What I suspect is the battery went low over the last week of sitting so I'll get a charger.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks

Assuming you have a manual trans, it may be the clutch switch. Is the battery charged?

Yes I have a manual, I believe the battery is charged because everything lights up. I'll have to test it tonight. A co-worker suggested the battery doesn't have enough CCA's left?
Curious as to why the spoiler would go up and then down, weird.

I've had my 996 sit for 2 weeks and it fires right up. The Z06 on the other hand will lose its charge in 6 days. I guess too many gadgets in the Vette that have to be powered 24/7. Good luck and let us know what the problem is.

My Audi is in the shop for the same reason. In December, it starts for a minute, airbag light comes on, body shakes, then quietly shuts down. Tech flushed the fluids and returned to normal. 2 days ago, it happened again and back in the shop. Will find out what's next. It is close to 100k miles.

-Marie

Thanks,
Well I believe it to be the clutch switch because thinking back I didn't hear it click as it usually does, I'll repalce that first since it's a known weak spot.
Is there a way to bypass it all together?

Could be the ignition switch as well.

You'll try charging the batter first I assume

Sorry to hear. My initial guess is the weak battery. When I had my M5 the battery got really weak and when I tried to start it after it was sitting for a while...lights and beeps would go on and then it would die. I'd start with the battery first.

+1
That was my first guess. When they go out, things can go haywire; ie: spoiler going up and down, airbag light, etc. Nonetheless, the clutch switch may also be the culprit. Good luck.

That, of course, should be so. A weak battery can cause the spoiler to act unusual. Charge it properly and see what happens. Ignition switches also cause strange gremlins.

I would also take the battery into the local auto parts store and let them test it, even if charging does the trick. How old is the battery?

Its a good idea to always fully lock the car bringing in the alarm system as it takes LESS out of a battery when the car is locked than it does when the car is unlocked. FACT. Only if you need proof. DANS911 post is a good way to go before doing anything else.

Well it looks like it may indeed be the battery. Tried charging and same result, and the volt meter win't even register. Windows work slow and can't turn the radio on, so priced a new one out at Sears and the Gold DiHard it $169.00, so next step is to change it out. It has to be older than 2 years because I'v had the car two years and this is the battery that came with it.

Any advice on changing out the battery?

You will get a cheaper Bosch Battery from Pep Boys. Just over a hundred Dollars. Thats what I use. The same make as was on the car when I bought it. You have to know the four number radio code to bring the radio back to working, if the battery was ever disconnected for any reason and obviously yours was for charging. Good luck.