Car won't start yet top will go down?

[pteam]

The boxster wont start. Its sat almost all winter, battery is only 1 year old. It was started about 2 weeks ago to have it waxed and detailed by the detailer. When you open the door all the lights come on pretty bright. WHen you turn the key it starts clicking and windows start going crazy up down up down up down up down up down and lights flickering everywhere. There is enough battery juice to put the top down and back up! I tried my 2nd key just to see if it was the transponder. There is 3/4s of a tank of gas. Any suggestions? I'm thinking the starter but I want to hear from you guys! Thanks!

[rick3000]

It sounds like the ignition switch has gone bad. It is fairly common, and easy to fix. It would explain the crazy window operation and flickering. I thinks it's a $15 DIY fix, do a search for more info.

[sd_boxster]

When the starter clicks, it's generally that the battery can't draw enough current (amps) to start the car.

The clicking is the starter solenoid trying to do its job, but there isn't enough oomph in the battery to actually crank the motor. Other electrical items don't draw nearly as much power as the starter, so things like the windows and top still work.

Drive the battery to AutoZone or whatever car parts store is nearby and have it tested. A buck says you just need a new battery.

[Lil bastard]

I think your battery's shot or insufficiently charged. It doesn't matter that it's a year old, lots of year old batteries fail. When they go, they go.

It isn't healthy to have the battery off a maintainer all winter, nor is it good to leave it in the car. The battery can drain and 'sulphate', reducing the surface area of the plates, resulting in less power storage, and more work on your charger or alternator to charge, which for the latter will also reduce your MPG.

A good schumacher maintainer can be had for $20-$25 and will cost less than $5 to run it continuously, which really isn't necessary. I have 2 car batteries and 2 moto batteries on my bench all winter (5 mos.) in a garage which avgs. 35°, but rarely drops below 30°. I use one maintainer between all 4 batteries and swap the clips each week from one battery to the next throughout the storage period. All the batteries are at least 3 yrs. old (oldest is 7 yrs.) and they are all healthy. As mentioned, have it tested and correct as necessary.

[vath2001]

Did you try jump starting it or swap batteries with another car? Is your starter froze-up after winter?

[pteam]

Well the weird thing is it just started up 2 weeks ago, after sitting all winter. I started it up 3 separate times to move it for the detailer and it started 100% fine no issues no problems not even a hiccup.

[AlexH]

If it's only 1 yr old and car has been sitting around for a few months, get yourself a charger (even a small one for about $60 from Walmart) and charge it overnight and you are good to go.