Need Starting/Battery Help

[kvh_1fan]

Ok, here is the deal: Chevy Aveo 08 Sedan LT

Yesterday went to start car, automatic locks worked, lights worked, car wouldn't turn over. It cranked but didn't turn over. Tried to jump the battery and melted a pair of cables(they were super cheap cables).

Took the battery out and had it tested, was bad. Got a new battery. First battery was 660 Amps, this one is only 525(90 reserve) had it tested and it tested at 575 amps. Put in the new battery and it starts up just fine!! Yay!!

Well, get in car today and it won't start. This time automatic locks won't work but lights and windows do. Same thing as yesterday, car cranks but won't turn over. Battery is good (had tested again).

Would this be the starter? Or could I have popped the battery fuse(from melting cables). Fuse looks good but can't 100% tell. Do you just yank on this fuse to pull it out?

Can something else have melted or shorted out before the fuse would?

[Daox]

I never understand when people say an engine cranks but doesn't turn over. What does that mean?

If your engine is spinning its not a bad starter. Its not getting one of 3 things the engine needs to run: air, fuel, or spark. An engine almost never has problems getting air. Its always fuel or spark and spark is probably more likely to be the problem.

[kvh_1fan]

Just went and had gf try and start car while I smacked on the starter. Started up! So pretty sure that's bad. Radio wouldn't work so that's probably a fuse. I'll check that tomorrow morning when it's light.

[Pickles]

If the engine is spinning then it is coincidence that hitting the starter worked...as daox said your problem is fuel or spark

[kvh_1fan]

Ok, so what should I do now? Just have someone look at it? What steps would you do to diagnose the problem?

[Aveo5_boy]

You can try reading this to diagnose the problem: Troubleshooting a No-Start Problem - Why Won't My Car Start - What To Look For If Your Car Won't Start and here is one with won't start symptoms: Troubleshooting a Car That Won't Start - For Dummies

[avguy]

Here's a few questions on things not yet mentiond, which might help get this figured out. The only thing discussed so far is starting, but you also said that (at least) twice it did start. Assuming you then drove it, how was it running - same as before, or did you notice any changes (hesitation, bucking, new noise, or anything else different)? Another key item - did you see the yellow check engine light come on at any time in the recent past? If so, take it to any local auto parts store that does free OBD code checking (call around). In fact, this normally is something that should be done, even if you didn't see the CEL coming on. Then, if an OBD code is present, that may be a big help in figuring out what's actually wrong. One final question - are there any dirps from the vehicle, or recent spots underneath, where it has been parked?

[kvh_1fan]

Took the car to have the starter and alternator checked. All came back fine. Car started right up when I went to go there. Shop kept it for about 2 hours to let it cool down then it started right up again (I had only driven it about 5 miles to get there). Guy said my starter may be on its way out or just have issues when it is cold. Going to keep an eye on it. Hopefully in the morning it'll start right up.

The car has ran just fine, same as it ever did. No CEL also. Haven't noticed any drips but I'll watch it. Live in an apt complex so tough to know what is on the ground out there, haha. I'll throw some cardboard under it one night to make sure I can tell.

[kevin7898]

I had to replace my starter, the solenoid that kicks the bendix gear towards the flywheel was shot, but beware the starter is no easy to access, there is a bolt on the top of it and the only way I was able to reach it was to take my phone in camera mode and shine it up there to get the socket on to the bolt.