Won't start after exhaust scrape

[green]

So I was pulling out of my driveway after installing some H&R sports and the exhaust started scraping on the driveway (we have a pretty big bump in the driveway) pretty bad so I started pulling forward. Well, I accidentally let the clutch out and the car died. I tried to restart it but nothing, no click, no crank, just absolutely nothing. I thought maybe the exhaust was pinching something but I jacked it up and couldn't see anything. Am I missing something? I would love to get it started but have absolutely nothing (I have juice because the glove box light will turn on). Help!

[jlevie]

I don't see the scrape as having anything to do with this. Time to start trouble shooting, Start by checking battery voltage with a DMM to see if the battery is charged (should be greater than 12.4v).

[green]

Hey Jim, that is what sucks too, is that my trunk won't open because the button/key hole won't pop out. I didn't think the scrape would do anything either so that confused me. I need to try to find a way to get into the trunk.

[CHIF8008]

scrapping exhaust wont do anything. i do that daily.

[green]

scrapping exhaust wont do anything. i do that daily.

I know, right;)! That's why I'm baffled, like this other issue happened at the same time. Of course, the car was still running and it wasn't until I accidentally took my foot off the clutch that it died and didn't start.

[green]

Okay, so this morning I went out there and checked the glove box light. It came on, so I thought I'd try to start the car. I put the key in and the parking brake, etc. lights came on (they hadn't before). I went to start the car and nothing again, no cranking, no sounds, nothing. Even the glove box light was out now. I'm definitely thinking it's the battery, if I could just get into the trunk.

[dreamchasin]

I think your cables came off your battery, if they are slightly touching your lights can work, but when you go to start it, it doesn't have enough!

I scrape my exhaust whenever I drive :D

[devon.818]

i've had my battery cables come "loose" a few times.
often at gas stations.
they LOOK connected, but just pull them off and retighten them down and you should be good to go.

[ill4noreason]

Brake a window... why can't you use the key?

[green]

Yeah, I want to get into the trunk but I can't get it to open. It's been stuck shut before this. My key will go into the trunk button and push in and turn but the cylinder button thingy won't "pop" back out. I don't know if that's the central locking acting up or what. Just trying to find a way to get into the trunk.

[u3b3rg33k]

check for voltage at the front bus (under that plastic thing with the + on it). if there is no voltage, connect a battery via jumper cables. easy peasy.

[green]

check for voltage at the front bus (under that plastic thing with the + on it). if there is no voltage, connect a battery via jumper cables. easy peasy.

You read my mind and that is exactly what I did. It started up just fine and I was at least able to move it out of the driveway so now on to that stinking trunk. I'm going to try pulling the central locking mechanism out (I'm guessing my car has it).

[nomansland92]

I've had the battery cable problem before to. I was going down a old bumpy road and the car just shut off. First thing i check was the battery and the ground was almost off.

[u3b3rg33k]

That's happened to me while offroading in the past. Good times.

[green]

Okay finally (with the help of my 11 year old neighbor!) got the trunk open and the battery cable was indeed loose. Anyway, got it put back on and took the car for a drive and it felt good! I think having new front struts/springs tightened up the steering and obviously the handling. Thanks for all the help. Now on to the rear shocks!