Has anyone had this happen, I didn't see it during the search...

This morning I went out to start the car and well, I ended up taking the wife's.

The engine wouldn't crank, I don't even think the computer allowed it to try. I don't think it is the battery though because when the key was turned once, the computer looked normal. It cycled through my miles to service then total (20k), the temp read normally (76*), lights everywhere. Yet when I threw it into the start position, my headlights flashed on/off, I think my turn indicators flashed, the doors locked/unlocked, the radio when completely static, the temp read 33*'s, and the a/c (which was on, set to auto) began to flow but nothing to the engine. Returning the key to position resulted in normal operation (temp, radio, lights off, etc). By the way I could also still run the windows during this also.

The car has been perfect til now. It is 22 months old. I saw in other threads questions about petrol, the gas has been in the car for about a hundred miles and one week so thats not it.

Any guesses?

Butch

 

I had that happen to me this past winter. Exact symptoms.
It turned out to be the battery. I jump-started it and have no problems since. The battery died (I think) because it was very cold and I did not drive it for about two weeks.

 

Now that would be truely odd if true.

This car hasn't indicated any battery issues at all. It is my daily driver and sat for just the overnight. Plus the fact I live in the desert and the overnight temp was about 70ish. Weird.

Its too late to try jumping it though. Roadside has it now and the dealer will have to look into it.

Butch

 

My battery went dead for NO reason once. I got home from work, took a shower, and then headed out the door to my girlfriends. Exact symptoms as you. I had turned off the car for not even 20 minutes!!!! Weird

 

Well, you all were right.

The final diagnosis was a battery unable to start the car caused by a loose connection from the alternator.

I never realized that the battery would be able to run everything else though. I guess I learn something new every day.

Thanks all.

Butch