gokaden

Hi,

I thought I get some help from the collective wisdom on this forum on a problem I have.

I tried to start my 2003 SC430 today, and it clicks, but the engine wouldn't start. I turned off the AC, and it started up.

I then tried again, with turning on the AC blower, but not the AC compressor, and it started without issue.

However, when I start the engine without the AC on, and then turned the AC on after it's started, there seems to be no issue.

Has anyone had any experience with a similar problem, or have some thoughts as to how exactly the AC compressor is affecting the engine?

Can I just turn the AC on after I start the engine, or would it be bad for the engine in the long term?

Thanks in advance.

momssc

Have the battery checked and check the battery connections for corrosion. When you got the car to start, you charged the battery a little so it seems to start ok but if it sits long enough again it probably won't start.

gokaden

Thanks for the note, and I've verified that the battery connections are not corroded. I just changed out a new 3-year battery from AAA about 6 months ago.

azkaty

Battery could also be defective..
Katy

i2fat

iTrader: (2)

I'm going to think battery as well.

darnot10

me three as well. Check your battery!
dnot

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

The load the compressor put on your car most likely caused it to strain (or click) to turnover. I had a AAA battery in my old 02 SC and it was crap. It wasn't even two years old when I replaced it. I just replaced my oem battery in my 05 38k miles today with a Lexus oem battery from park place. $107, ten minutes to install. My car was clicking after three days or more of sitting with no action. I'd agree with other members that this sounds like a classic battery dying issue. You may get more time on it, but perhaps it's defective or isn't driven enough to charge it up or perhaps you left your lights on or something plugged in?

Harold57

Just consider the clicking and recovery your two minute warning. If you replace it before being stranded, you will have dodged a bullet. If you get stranded, you waited at least one start too many.

gokaden

Wow, I guess it's unanimous then. It's easy enough to get AAA over to my house to check on the battery and alternator.

Thanks everyone for your help!