Randomly the nothing (not even a click) when start is attempted after setting in the car for 5-10 min

Question

After turning engine off and remaining in car 5-10 minutes with radio (only) on, the engine will not stop. There is not even a click, yet the lights will come on bright, the radio will still work... everything works but the engine will not make a sound.  Connect it to a jumper or a battery start pack and the engine starts immediately.  

Another, maybe related incident... traveling down interstate and the battery light comes on. I make it to the next exit and after thinking about the situation about 30 minutes, I tried to put the jump pack on it once again. Bingo, it started immediately, the battery light went out and I drove it home (about 60 miles).

What is going on??

Answer 1

The fact that your car starts immediately when connected to a jumper or a battery start pack suggests that your battery may be weak or failing. When you use an external power source, it compensates for the lack of power from the battery.

Faulty Alternator:
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is failing, it may not be providing enough charge to the battery, leading to a situation where the car won't start after sitting for a while.

Loose or Corroded Battery Connections:
Check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean the terminals and ensure they are tightened securely.

Starter Motor Issues:
If the starter motor is failing, it may not engage consistently. This could explain the lack of any sound when you try to start the car.

Electrical System Issues:
There could be an issue with the overall electrical system of the car, such as a faulty ignition switch or a problem with the wiring.