Installed a boost gauge, started yesterday and it got too dark so I finished this morning. Now it won't start... I hear a clicking noise like the ignition trying to start, but it doesn't. The only think I can think of is the battery cuz I had the radio playing, but sometimes now there is a clicking noise in the throttle body, but then it goes away. Am I right in thinking its the battery, or could it be something worse?

 

Most likely the battery. If you have the original battery in your car, it's probably on it's way out. Rarely do they last more than about 3-4 years tops. OEM batteries will begin losing their reserve capacity, meaning there is less energy to be had to operate accessories without the help of the alternator. If you had the radio playing for a few hours while working on the car, then you will probably need to bust out the battey charger and have it keep your car company for a while.

 

Thanks, that really helps me not worry as much. As long as I can get the car started and have it get me through this weekend, then I'll get a replacement on Monday. I've had my battery charger on it since I posted this, so I hope that works. If not I'll get it jumped and hope that works.

 

the throttle body sound you hear is it finding home when you power the car. No big deal.

FWIW, I just had to swap out my stock battery. Found an Optima Red-Top 34R for about $150 shipped. Mine's an 02 that I got in early Oct 02, so the stock battery lasted 5+ years....

Matt

 

A friend came over and jumped it, works perfectly now! Thanks for the help!

 

it sounds like your battery is loosing capacity. That is it takes less and less time with stuff like the radio on to drain it to when it won't start the car. The one I swapped out recently wouldn't start my car with about 20 min of the car on and not running.

But glad to hear that you're up and running again.

Matt

 

your battery is fine. the dome lights can drain power pretty quick, especially since you were working in the dark. Had the same problem, since I left the lights on overnight, and It starts up perfectly.

 

There's so much cr*p powered up when the key is in the accessory position, you need a nuclear generating station to keep the car powered up. The battery probably has plenty of life left in it, though it may have less capacity than when new.