My daughter phoned me up this afternoon as her car wouldn't start. Battery appeared flat as a pancake. Car jump started fine so put the battery on charge once she got home.

Although the battery now appears charged (charge rate dropped to almost zero) it hasn't solved the problem.

Go to start the car and the dash ignition lights flicker?

Could the flashing dash lights still be the battery, a new one on me if it is, or are there other more likely causes.

Advice please.

 

whats the volts at the battery when cranking?

quite possible the battery has enough capacity to show 12v, but when a load is put on it, it drops substantially.

if battery has been replaced, as the bulk-head side earth strap been tampered with? maybe bolt loose so unable to provide the power!

 

The battery sounds like it has had it.

 

Yarp, new battery time for you!

Halfrauds or your local motor factors (much better!)

 

Battery probably, but you should check that it's being charged. With the engine running it should show ~14V.

 

thanks for your replies.

I have had several batteries die on me over the years but never in this fashion. To suddenly go having started fine - short 10 mile journey on a warm day - wait 10 minutes and ........nothing? I have had this with other cars, but first start on a cold morning is a more likely scenario.

As I said at the top, I have used/tried a battery charger on it for a few hours but still nothing, so, if it wasn't the battery then it must be both the car not charging and my charger not working which seems unlikely.


I have tested its 12 volts meaning all cells are working but am not able to test its current (therefore wattage) ability so am going for a new battery and hope that does the trick.

Will let you know if this cures the problem.



update

new battery



However, Halfords £80 + £5 to dispose of old one


Motabitz: £55 (inc £5 back for old battery) + free fitting

 

£80 for a battery! Jeebers!

I remember when batteries used to be less than £40 at Halfords! And that was only 7 years ago...

 

Interesting, the 3 yr guaranteed battery and the 5 year guaranteed battery are one and the same. You are paying extra for the increased warranty. So, if presumably most of these batteries last at least 5 years why not get the cheaper one - which I did?


Some things are cheap in Halfords (lost leaders) others must make them a packet. I have found other parts much cheaper at Motabitz eg wiper blades - as with the battery, 30/40% cheaper including free fitting.

 

Yeh, I guess that is sound business sense. I just got a 235pc metal case tool box from Halfords for £47.93 which I thought was a bit of a bargain, not the best tools in the world, but it is the case I wanted really and everything is there that you could need doing basic DIY around the home.

I shall have to check out Motabitz then, I tend to support my local motor factor though as they are generally very good.