Car Won’t Start… Could It Be The 12V Battery?

Woke up this morning and tried to start my '22 car with 47k miles. I had it charged to 87% before going to bed, but now nothing happens when I press the power button. It lights up red, but there’s no power showing in the dash or overhead lights. Is this a 12V battery problem? Can I jump it, or do I need to tow it to the dealer? I’m supposed to leave for an appointment in 2 hours and haven’t dealt with this situation before with an EV.

It sounds like the 12V battery. Jumping it with cables or a booster pack should do the trick.

Vance said:
It sounds like the 12V battery. Jumping it with cables or a booster pack should do the trick.

Thanks for the quick response! The manual says not to connect the negative cable to the dead battery’s terminal. I can’t figure out where to connect it instead. Any suggestions?

@Perrin
I’ve seen people attach it to the frame or any metal parts of the car, like a bolt.

Kade said:
@Perrin
I’ve seen people attach it to the frame or any metal parts of the car, like a bolt.

Thanks again, I’ll try that and hopefully everything will be fine!

Perrin said:

Kade said:
@Perrin
I’ve seen people attach it to the frame or any metal parts of the car, like a bolt.

Thanks again, I’ll try that and hopefully everything will be fine!

Good luck! I hope it works and you won’t be late. Let us know how it goes.

@Perrin
Anything clean and metal should work – like bolts, pipes, or the car’s frame.

Sounds like a 12V issue. My car does this if I leave a door open or it’s charging.

Bay said:
Sounds like a 12V issue. My car does this if I leave a door open or it’s charging.

Thanks for the info! The manual says not to attach the negative cable to the negative terminal, but I can’t figure out where it should go. Any ideas?

@Perrin
You can attach it to any unpainted metal part of the car, usually a bolt. The car’s chassis is typically grounded through the negative terminal.

Bay said:
@Perrin
You can attach it to any unpainted metal part of the car, usually a bolt. The car’s chassis is typically grounded through the negative terminal.

I really appreciate this advice .

Bay said:
@Perrin
You can attach it to any unpainted metal part of the car, usually a bolt. The car’s chassis is typically grounded through the negative terminal.

I wouldn’t recommend just any metal part. Ideally, use an unpainted metal part a couple of feet away from the 12V battery.

Once I get it charged, do I need to rush and get a new battery, or can I run some errands before getting it replaced?

Perrin said:
Once I get it charged, do I need to rush and get a new battery, or can I run some errands before getting it replaced?

If you’re using a portable pack to jump it, you should be fine to go to your appointment. You can jump it again afterwards and get the battery replaced later.

Perrin said:
Once I get it charged, do I need to rush and get a new battery, or can I run some errands before getting it replaced?

It could just be because you left a light on. Or, if it’s at the end of its life, it might not hold a charge well anymore. If you’ve been using it regularly, I’d recommend replacing it soon.

Perrin said:
Once I get it charged, do I need to rush and get a new battery, or can I run some errands before getting it replaced?

I have the same issue and am waiting for advice too.

Perrin said:
Once I get it charged, do I need to rush and get a new battery, or can I run some errands before getting it replaced?

I’d suggest getting it tested ASAP. If the battery’s bad, replace it right away unless you want to keep jumping it every time.

I’ve connected my car to another car with cables that I know work, but after 10 minutes, my car still isn’t showing any signs of life. No dash lights, no interior lights, nothing. Did I connect it wrong, or does my 12V battery just need more time?