Help! Car Won't Start
 

Car was running fine until last night. I was in a hurry and didn't wait for the glow plug cycle to finish. In the middle of the glow plug cycle I turned the key completely to the start position, but then everything just stopped. Now when I just turn the key the glow plug cycle won't even go on let alone crank. However, it seems that the it's trying to glow, but the lights/buzzer are very weak. I checked voltage at the battery and it's 12.2. The NSS was replaced last year. I tried to jump using the terminal block under the battery. I hear a click but the engine still won't turn. Any other ideas?
Thanks.

Oh, and the power windows are very weak, so I'm thinking that a switch or ground problem somewhere?

x2 on grounds, easy to check.

Clean your battery terminals. Check both ends of your engine grounding wire. Sounds like a bad connection to me.

Could be a low battery. Charge it fully, let it sit for a couple of hours w/ no charge or discharge then check the voltage.

Good Luck

ok started up. Battery was weak, despite the voltage showing. Jump started using TWO batteries (he he, two batteries from gasser cars).

Isn't a battery supposed to show about 13. something volts to be considered charged and working properly ?

12.6 is fully charged battery.
% of charge at a given voltage drops rapidly.
12.0 is very discharged (Google for exact - it is posted all over the web)

A click with key to start is bendix moving out but not cranking engine. It is usually caused by low battery voltage. It is up to mechanic (you) to confirm and determine reason for low voltage.

I'm waiting to catch a deal on cheap volt meters so I can keep 1 in each car. Always begin by measuring battery voltage and watch how far it drops with key to start. My SD cranks with only 12 volts & not much drop when all (obviously except charging or battery - otherwise voltage would be 12.6) is working.

A voltmeter inside the car would give some advance warning of a battery going ' south'...
aircraft have them...except for gliders...

I think we need a sticky on how to start a diesel when it wont start.