Battery or starter problem?

[tobyar3]

I have a 1995 Pontiac Grand AM. The car wouldn't start yesterday afternoon, however I had full power to my headlights and other electrical components. I figured my starter went out and called for a tow. The tow never came so I tried to jump the car. With the jump the car started right up. Do I have a battery problem or a starter problem. Is there any tests i can do before I have to take the car in?
Thanks

[rivolette]

Hi,

A friend of mine had the same problem with another GM car a few months ago. Same symptoms, and we found out later that his head was shot (well, the engine's head ;) )

But let's hope yours is not the same problem. What I would suggest, is you check and THOROUGHLY clean all the bettery and starter connections and make sure they are tightly fastened.

Then try the car for a while and see where it goes... Also, when you tried to start it, did the engine give you a "click" or was it completely silent? Make sure you don't confuse the engine "click" with the starter relay "click".

[tobyar3]

Thanks for the quick response. The car did click once every time I tried to start it. I was little confused on your response. Was the single click good or bad?
Thanks again!!!

[rivolette]

well, you have one of the two problems;

either one of your battery/starter/other terminals is dirty, loose or improperly connected.

or, your starter is on it's last legs.

The third and very remote possibility, is if your engine is close to seizing up (and believe me it has happened before) and in some positions, the starter does not have enough power to turn the engine over.

Either way, I'd check the first two.

Good luck