New battery but car only starts when jumped in pool

It’s frustrating when you’ve just gotten a brand new battery for your car, but still struggle to get it started. Even more unusual is discovering that your car only starts when it’s been jumped in a pool. This bizarre occurrence may leave you scratching your head, wondering what’s going on. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why a car may only start after being jumped in water.

Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that cars are not designed to be submerged in water. Attempting to start a car while it’s underwater could cause irreparable damage to the engine and electronic systems. However, if your car only starts after being submerged in water, there may be a few reasons why.

One possibility is that there is a loose or corroded connection in the electrical system. When the car is submerged in water, the connection is temporarily fixed due to the electrical current passing through the water. However, this repair is only temporary, and the problem will return once the car is dry again.

New Battery Won’t Start Car

Check Battery Connections

The first step when a new battery won’t start a car is to check the battery connections. Make sure that the battery cables are secure and free of corrosion. If the cables are loose or covered in corrosion, try cleaning them with a wire brush and tightening them back up. This can often solve the problem.

Test the Alternator

If the battery connections are good, the next step is to test the alternator. The easiest way to do this is to use a voltmeter. Start the car and connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals. A properly working alternator should show a voltage of around 14 volts or higher. If the voltage is lower than this, it may be a sign that the alternator is not working properly.

Check for Parasitic Draw

Another possible reason for a new battery not starting a car is a parasitic draw. This is when something in the car is draining the battery even when the car is turned off. To check for a parasitic draw, disconnect the negative battery cable and connect an ammeter in series between the battery and the cable. If there is a draw of more than about 50 milliamps, something in the car is likely causing the problem.

Consider the Starter

Finally, if all else fails, it may be a problem with the starter. This is the part of the car that actually cranks the engine to start it. If the starter is not working properly, it may prevent the car from starting even with a new battery. A mechanic can diagnose and replace a faulty starter if necessary.

Issue Description

Problem

Car owners who put in new batteries in their vehicles may still find their cars won’t start up without a jumpstart. In some cases, the car will start up once jumped, but will continue to have issues starting on its own afterwards. This issue can be frustrating and confusing for car owners who thought they had solved the problem by installing a new battery.

Cause

There can be several reasons why a new battery still won’t start a car. One possibility is that there may be an underlying problem with the car’s electrical system or starter. Another possibility is that the battery may not have been fully charged before being installed, or may have been sitting on the shelf for a while, causing it to lose some of its charge. Finally, a battery that is not the correct fit for the car or that has a lower cold-cranking amp (CCA) rating than the previous battery may also cause issues with starting the car.

Solution

• Check the battery voltage and ensure that it is fully charged before installing it in the car.
• Inspect the car’s electrical system and starter for any issues that may be preventing the car from starting properly.
• Make sure that the new battery is the correct size and has the correct CCA rating for the car.
• If the new battery is still causing issues, take it to a mechanic or auto parts store to be tested and potentially replaced.

Common Reasons

Dead Alternator

If your vehicle can start with a jump but then dies again shortly after, it could be a sign of a dead alternator. The alternator is responsible for keeping your battery charged while you drive, so when it’s not working properly, your battery won’t have the power it needs to start your car on its own.

Corroded Battery Connections

Corroded battery connections can also cause issues with starting your car. When your connections are corroded, your battery won’t be able to transfer enough power to start your engine. You can clean the connections with a wire brush or battery cleaner.

Parasitic Drain

Parasitic drain happens when something in your car is continuing to draw power from the battery even after you’ve turned off the engine. This can quickly drain your battery and make it difficult to start your car the next time you try. Common culprits of parasitic drain include faulty alternators, computers, and other electrical components.

Old Battery

If your battery is more than a few years old, it may be time to replace it. As batteries age, they start to lose their ability to hold a charge. Eventually, they won’t be able to provide the power that your car needs to start.

Bad Starter

The starter is responsible for bringing your engine to life when you turn the key. If it’s not working, then your engine won’t be able to start. If you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key, it could be a sign of a bad starter.

• Other potential reasons include:
• Faulty ignition switch
• Blown fuse
• Loose wiring
• Bad fuel pump

If you’re experiencing issues with starting your car, it’s important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potentially costly repairs.

Diagnostics Checklist

Step 1: Check Battery Connections

Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and tightly connected.

• Inspect for any signs of corrosion on the battery and cable connections
• If needed, clean the terminals with a wire brush or a special terminal cleaner

Step 2: Test Battery Voltage

Check the battery voltage with a multimeter to determine if it is producing enough power to start the car.

• A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts, while a partially charged battery could read between 11.8 and 12.4 volts
• If the voltage is below 11.8 volts, the battery may need to be charged or replaced

Step 3: Inspect Alternator

The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery while the car is running, so it’s important to check its condition.

• Inspect the alternator belt for wear or damage
• Use a multimeter to test the alternator output voltage while the car is running. A reading between 13.8 and 14.4 volts is normal

Step 4: Check Starter

The starter is responsible for turning the engine over, so it’s important to check its condition and connections.

• Inspect the starter connections for any signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage
• Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the starter while the key is turned to the “start” position. Voltage levels below 9.6 volts could indicate a problem with the starter or battery

Step 5: Test Ignition Switch

If all other components check out, the problem may be with the ignition switch.

• Turn the key to the “on” position and use a test light or multimeter to check for voltage at the starter wire. If there is no voltage, the problem may be with the ignition switch or wiring
• If voltage is present at the starter wire, use a multimeter to check for voltage at the starter solenoid. If voltage is present but the starter does not engage, the solenoid may be faulty

Conclusion

By following this diagnostics checklist, you can identify potential issues with your battery, alternator, starter, and ignition switch. Once you determine the root cause of the problem, you can take the appropriate steps to address it.

Possible Solutions

Check the Alternator

One possible solution is to check the alternator. If the alternator is not working properly, the battery may not be receiving enough charge to start the car on its own. It is recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect the alternator and replace it if necessary.

Inspect the Battery Cables

Another possible solution is to inspect the battery cables. Loose or corroded connections can prevent the battery from delivering power to the starter. Make sure the connections are tight and free of corrosion. If necessary, clean the connections with a wire brush or replace the cables entirely.

Replace the Starter

If the alternator and battery cables are functioning properly, then it may be necessary to replace the starter. A faulty starter can prevent the engine from turning over and starting on its own. A mechanic should inspect the starter and replace it if necessary.

Charge the Battery Fully

If the battery is not fully charged, it may not have enough power to start the car on its own. Charge the battery fully using a battery charger and try starting the car again. If the car starts normally, then the issue is likely a weak battery. Consider replacing the battery if it is old or worn out.