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Car won't start after detailing. Any ideas?

I just got my '99 Camry detailed for the first time ever, inside and out--lots of water involved. Now it won't start. The battery seems to be okay (radio, wipers, etc.) but I turn the key and just get the click-click-click sound. I'm looking online and seeing plenty of people have similar problems after cleaning the engine, but as far as I know the detailer didn't go under the hood (I didn't pay for it, and it's just as dusty as before in there).

I don't know cars other than checking the oil and jump-starts. Is there some clear answer my ignorant self isn't seeing?

pickled ginger asked in Cars & Motorcycles about 1 year ago | Report

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    Did you drive it home from the detailer or was it a they come to you deal? Did you try to jump it?

    The simplest explanation is that the detailer drained the battery by leaving the door open or playing the radio or something while he was working. Actually starting your engine takes significantly more energy than any of the electronic accessories, so the battery can be discharged to the point that it won't start, but all the gizmos will work just fine. Often this results in the clickity click sound.

    I'd start out trying to jump it if you haven't tried that already. It could also just be a problem with the battery or the starter and the timing is just a coincidence.

    Jack answered in Cars & Motorcycles about 1 year ago | Report
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