Changed battery, will not start?

2015 KIA SOUL
59,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JEREMY NEWBY
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  • 2 POSTS
Stopped for gas. Turned off car. Went to start car, only heard one click. I tried that several times. I was able to jump battery. Took battery to AutoZone and was told the battery had a dead cell.

Battery started for 2 days without a jump, but slight hesitation. Finally, it would not start with a jump.

Replaced battery and only hear one click. All the lights work. Will not jump.

Load tested the new battery, and it stays within cranking amps. Tried starting in neutral. Just one click.

Opened hood. Used key fob to unlock doors. Then manually locked doors. Disconnected battery for 5 minutes. Reconnected. Still one click.

Swapped starter relay with another relay. Still one click.

I cleaned the grounds and re-attached. One click.

Any ideas?
Aug 5, 2023 at 9:00 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

First, make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight, free of corrosion. I realize the battery is new, but the cables may have corrosion.

Next, I need you to check for power at the starter. The idea that you hear the relay click tells me the starter (trigger wire) should be supplying power.

At the starter, there will be two black wires. One will be a heavier gauge than the other. The heavier gauge wire should have 12v at all times. There is a smaller gauge black wire that should not have power until the key is in the start position, or the push start button and brake pedal are pushed. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power at the smaller gauge wire.

Let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below. Note: The schematic is for a vehicle with a smart key but without ISG (idle stop and go). If that isn't what you have, let me know.
Image (Click to enlarge)
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Aug 5, 2023 at 8:30 PM
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JEREMY NEWBY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Turns out it was the starter. Super easy swap. Thanks for the help.
Aug 8, 2023 at 8:58 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I had a feeling that was going to be the issue when you said you could hear the relay engage. Regardless, I'm glad to know it's repaired and running again.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
Aug 8, 2023 at 9:23 PM