The key will insert fine, the stereo lights up, no lights on dash light up though. When I try to start I hear a clicking near the gear shift and then the whining starts in the engine compartment. Noise seems centrally located around the alternator.

Everything seemed fine, driven 45 minutes to and from work that day. Came back out a little while later and nothing. Out of the blue.

Starter is relatively new, only a couple of years old, I think.

Mechanic friend of mine and I replaced the radiator last week, doubt that’s related but just mentioning that.

Tried jumping with a jumpbox and another car to eliminate battery issue and nothing.

Please help. Towing to shop for probably an expensive repair on Monday and would love to hear of a DIY cheap fix if anybody knows what’s up.

Tried to upload video of issue. Here’s another link to see the problem. Thanks guys.

 

Disconnect the battery ENTIRELY and then connect it to a charger. Let it charge completely and then try it. If it doesn't work, take the battery to a place like Autozone and have it tested. You may need a new one.

 

Thank you, I will try this but wouldn't I have had symptoms first, not just fine and then nothing?

 

The symptoms have to start somewhere.

 

I will take it here in a few minutes. Hope you're right Will update. Thanks again.

 

Looking at the video, you're not even getting the instrument panel to light up when you try to start the car. This is a classic symptom of a bad, dead or severely discharged battery. That the key fob slot works doesn't really mean anything, it takes very minimal power for that to function.

 

The battery was fully charged at the local Advanced Auto and I put it back in and it started back up so low battery must’ve been the cause, but I’m worried there’s not something wrong with the alternator and that’s why it went so low. When I turn off the engine and remove the fob the alternator makes a quiet whining noise for a period after the engine is completely shut off. I’ve never noticed it before if it’s normal.

Thanks for the help.

 

The alternator cannot make such a noise after the engine is shut down. It only operates if the engine is turning, because it is belt-driven. I have a hunch the problem is that 2 yr old starter. But to find out for sure you have to get underneath after you shut off the engine and find out where that whining noise is coming from. Removing the bottom plate that protects the engine and then starting and stopping the engine will allow you to find out if the whine is coming from the starter. If it is, it means the starter has a short. That will create a draw on the battery that will drain it and the symptoms you have seen will happen again.

 

I will check that. Sounds higher up than that but I haven’t taken off the skid plate and listened down there yet. Thanks and will update.

 

Hmm. The skid plate may be reflecting the noise and making it seem like it's coming from higher up. But that's just speculation. You need to check if it is the starter or something else. Also, have you put a reader on the OBD port and checked for any error codes? Advance Auto will do that for free if you don't have a scanner.