We have heard of some people complain that their Cadillac won’t start after battery replacement.
It is quite strange for the vehicle to still fail to start even after getting the battery replaced. For the most part, starting issues have been linked with battery problems. So, if you are still unable to get your vehicle moving even after getting a new battery, you are at the right place.
Today, we will discuss the reasons why you are unable to start your Cadillac with a new battery. We will explore possible causes, as well as fixes to help you out. Let’s jump right into it.
Cadillac Won’t Start After Battery Replacement
There are a number of reasons why your Cadillac won’t start after a battery replacement.
For example, you may have placed the new battery incorrectly. This is why you may want to check this first before looking at the other possible causes. When you put your battery incorrectly, it is not capable of delivering power required to start your vehicle.
Hence, it does not matter if the battery is new – it will still fail in starting your car. There are also other possible reasons linked with poor battery placement:
- Not connecting the battery wires properly
- Incompatible battery with your car
- Not clamping the battery cables down tightly
Do keep in mind that batteries are not at all universal. This is why you need to check the required battery size and capacity for your vehicle before buying one. By doing so, you can purchase the right battery specifically for your vehicle.
When it comes to a Cadillac that won’t start after battery replacement, it is best to begin with the type of battery and the placement done. Check if it is compatible and be sure to refer to the manual to determine key battery specifications for your particular vehicle.
In case you have some difficulties with understanding the manual, you can always have a mechanic give you the assistance you need. It is also best to determine if you have your cables and wires properly connected. These also need to be tightly clamped down. When you have issues with the battery installation and then have these addressed appropriately, the vehicle should start right away.
What To Do If Your Vehicle Still Fails To Start
Now, you may be still baffled why the car is still not starting even after doing all you had to do. There are a few things to consider such as the following:
1. Connector issues
Even if you have a new battery, yet the connectors are corroded, you can still have issues with starting the vehicle. You may have a compatible battery, but if the terminals, terminal ends and connectors are corroded, your vehicle will not start.
Battery connectors tend to corrode over time. This is due to gas that escapes your batteries. If you fail to keep the connectors well-maintained, in addition to the terminal ends and the terminals themselves, there will be corrosion issues. Thus, electrical charge cannot travel from your battery to key components of your car.
2. Alternator problems
The alternator is key in starting your vehicle and making sure you have the engine on. This is what keeps your battery charged, as well as ensuring power to the electrical system. When there is a cranking sound each time you try to start your vehicle, it means that you have a failed charging system.
Aside from this bothersome sound, you may also see your battery icon light illuminating. This means that you definitely have a bad alternator that needs to be addressed. Other potential signs of alternator issues include some difficulty with rolling your power windows up or down, growling noise when the AC is turned on, and the headlights becoming a bit dim or too bright.
You may have a brand new battery but if the alternator has issues, the car will not start. Your battery needs the alternator to get a good charge. Thus, it is important to have your alternator repaired or perhaps even replaced. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive to replace this component, which can set you back about $250 to as much as $700 – and this does not even include labor fees in some cases.
3. Bad starter
When the lights are on, yet there is no power to your vehicle, it means that you have a faulty starter. There may be a growling noise to be heard or perhaps even no sound whenever you try to start your car. You will need to change the starter or perhaps check if the starter relay or starter motor is the problem.
4. Engine issues
If you already changed your battery, yet the vehicle still will not start, then you may have to get your engine checked. In the case of a failed engine, the vehicle fails to start. But you should look for some symptoms of engine trouble such as a burning smell from your engine or tapping and knocking sounds that can confirm an engine issue.
5. Other causes
There are a few other potential reasons why your Cadillac won’t start after battery replacement. These include a faulty fuel pump, bad spark plugs, security system problems, and an electrical system issue.
So, you need to determine which one is the culprit and have it addressed appropriately to prevent further issues from happening.
Read More: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Door Won’t Open From Outside – Causes And Fixes
Wrap Up
When your Cadillac won’t start after battery replacement, it can get quite frustrating. The last thing you want is to experience delays in your schedule. This is why you need to check the possible cause of the problem and have it addressed sooner than later. There are many moving components to inspect that impact this failure to start your car. So, be sure to identify the actual cause to start moving forward in addressing the root of the problem.