What is wrong if a 1993 Chevy Lumina started cranking slower and slower and now will not crank at all it just clicks but the battery is charged?

Answer 1

The symptom you describe has happened to me numerous times in different vehichles. The explanation is simple, while the actual events leading up to it are more complex. The simple answer is the battery is dead. The battery contains lead plates that react with the acid in the case to create the energy you use to start the engine, power the lights and radio etc. As the battery ages the lead plates flake off pieces of lead due to heat, vibration and natural degradation. occasionally a big flake will fall off and touch a neighboring plate as well as the plate it came off of. This causes a short in that plate. The way to test this ist o place the battery under a "LOAD" take your battery to any Schucks or autozone and they will test it for free. The battery will show that it holds 12volts and appears charged. but in reality it contains no AMps to crank the engine. The battery is toast. This happens more often in very hot climates and where the battery is subjected to excessive vibration. Sorry my friend but you have to replace the battery. i was trying to give a different answer to this question and the answer is im 99 percent sure its the starter. since they said the batt is charged and ive been down the same path with my starter.