Starting issue

Hey all, I've got a bit of a strange issue when starting the car. The battery has good voltage (13.2V), but when I turn the key to 'Start' I just hear a single click (not the multiple rapid clicks that usually indicates a low battery), then the everything goes dead.

After a while I can get accessory power back, but in the immediate time after the failed start, there's no power to anything (stereo, lights, HVAC, instruments).

Any ideas on possible causes?

 

Proper dead batt.

 

But how come it's showing good voltage? Or is it the strain of engaging the starter too much for it, given it's been weakened?

 

Yes, or that. Forgot about that possibility.

What's the voltage during cranking though?

 

Voltage read while stationary isn't everything. Could be an open circuit. Repalce the battery.

 

Battery terminals are nice and tight

No idea! It doesn't even engage the starter. Just one click and the show's over. I'll pick up a new battery today and see if that fixes it up. I suspect it might, this battery is approaching the end of its life.

 

also take the time to clean the inside of the battery terminal clamps. you may have a perfect battery but corrosion can be on the clamps as well as the terminals.