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2000 Chevy Tracker 4 cylinder 250000mi
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NeverGiveUp
New User
Jul 28, 2015, 10:09 PM
Post #1 of 5
(1286 views)
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2000 Chevy Tracker 4 cylinder 250000mi
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Car was working fine, and then wouldn't start one night. Mobile mechanic changed the belts and the idle pulley. Then he gave me a jump but the A/C and horn stopped working. The next time I tried to drive it, it would not start when I went to come home. The same mobile mechanic changed the starter and gave me a jump. I made it home, but it wouldn't start the next day. Had the battery checked (it was in good condition), changed out the connections on the battery posts and it started right up. Later that day, it wouldn't start again.
When I turn the ignition, it clicks once but the engine doesn't turn over and it doesn't sound like anything else is happening.
I still owe the bank for the last repairs. I am a single female with a flash light, a pair of jumper cables, a set of small wrenches, a flat head, a Phillips and a small pair of pliers. Very little money and no credit, getting desperate. But I can learn anything. Praying! TIA for any suggestions.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2015, 4:02 AM
Post #2 of 5
(1271 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Tracker 4 cylinder 250000mi
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Did you really mean 250,000 miles? You are playing with fire anytime with this thing.
Who checked battery with what? Not convinced it's any good or the charging system is working. A battery found unable to start engine but does with a jump is discharged or just incapable. Either are just that much harder on both the battery and charging system.
If this is new after the recent work could be belt isn't tight enough as I think this doesn't self adjust tension.
OK - Low bucks and low on tools. You can do lots with a cheap volt meter and a test light. Some Walmart type stores or tool stores can get one of each for under $20 bucks total. If you are going to do stuff you'll need these at least.
Battery cable ends in question always new or not. Many cheaper splice in ends are so bad they mark them temporary use till you do better. Whole cables always best but even I find many not totally available and expect splicing some can be done without soldering and some ways can't.
Check charging system first. See if volts before starting and after even if jumped go up with cables removed from other source - car or jumper box. If it goes up then turn on headlights and blower motor (things that use significant electrical power) and loo at volts at battery to see if it can hold above 13v while running. If not either battery is unable, discharged too much or charging system not charging enough or at all.
A/C and horn? This right after the mobile mechanic job? Starter replaced and wasn't the problem! That's not a very well equipped mechanic if so or real bad luck with a new starter. That tech may have bumped something or yet again unhooked battery and or who knows. Look for a fuse or relay more likely that cover both horn and A/C for the hopeful problem alone.
What can you test out first and can you get a voltmeter at least soon so we can move on with little $$ for a fix hopefully?
T
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NeverGiveUp
New User
Jul 29, 2015, 7:59 AM
Post #3 of 5
(1261 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Tracker 4 cylinder 250000mi
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I had the battery checked at Advance Auto parts as it was purchased there and still under warranty. Jumping doesn't always work. Very convenient that the car is broken down in a Wal-Mart parking lot. I will get the volt meter and test light. I can't get back out there until Saturday though. Cleaned the ends of the wires going to the battery posts really well when changing the connectors. I did notice a bulge in the wires further down. After watching a few You-tube videos, I think I may check that out also. If I can at least avoid the towing charges, that will really help. I'm still paying for the rebuilt engine. One of the new belts does squeal a little. I think my owners manual has some info about the fuses, if I remember correctly. I will check before I go back.
This was a really quick response and full of good info. GOD BLESS! I will post an update this weekend. I can't thank you enough.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2015, 9:07 AM
Post #4 of 5
(1259 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Tracker 4 cylinder 250000mi
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Gotta go soon so quick - sorry:
Belt squeal - not right. That clue has to get fixed.
Bulging cable: Not good either or at least suspect.
Battery test at place that sold it: Unknown if they know how! Really!*
* You can test amp power of a battery with your volt meter when starter works so stuck without that trick now.
JUMPER CABLES! ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL!!!! Old trick was use two sets when possible. That or you and the road call folks get such expensive jumper boxes or cables it would curl your hair. Mine cost about $100 bucks 30 years ago! Do the math. Nobody would spend that for personal or rare use. That grade will start a car or huge double batteried truck with no battery(ies) in them at all!
So: If car is stuck now at a Walmart and you can't get to it, it would really help if you have a cooperative friend to help with cables and leave donor vehicle running for quite some time - 15 real minutes to charge your battery a fair amount then try with it connected. Each failed try you are losing any help from your own battery. That's your best bet with likely cables you own if battery is really low.
Hey - hard to advise a I don't want anyone getting hurt in trying but you can bypass either pos. or neg battery post and put cables on the other ends on some, not all vehicles. Don't do that unless you are absolutely certain of what you are doing and can do that without a chance of shorting out live cables!!!!!! Hear me?
Feel for you. Chances are more than one issue just to get this to run and out of where it is at least to do more.
High bet with all this jumping that battery is weak now but with other issues don't think a new, charged even though new one would do more than start the issues all over again later when it too runs down.
Sorry - long post. If you can find a battery charger/maintainer (seen under $10 bucks at Harbor Freight) and can leave power on to the car those are meant to maintain full charge all the time and charge up but take hours or a whole day - key is that they automatically shut off also. Home Depot sells one by Black and Decker for I think $20.
Good luck. It does take some tools and stuff to do anything so you decide if these things are useful to you,
Tom
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NeverGiveUp
New User
Jul 29, 2015, 9:38 AM
Post #5 of 5
(1256 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Tracker 4 cylinder 250000mi
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Thank you for the input. Maybe by this weekend I will know what I'm doing. LOL I'm hoping to get it running long enough to get a little trade in. The have a program in Texas that you can use your junker for a trade in/down payment, after I pay off my current note. Thanks again for the input.. GOD BLESS!
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