I don't know if I can keep this up...

[uriel]

Gah! Just got the car back a couple of weeks ago after having to replace a trailing arm, UJs, driveshafts, wheel bearings etc. Thought I could now relax and start enjoying the car again.

Well, a couple of weeks later and this morning the damn thing won't start.

When I turn the key the engine doesn't turn over and the indicators start flashing like crazy. Battery is charged and ok and it was fine when I parked it last night. Haven't had a chance to have a look since it was raining, dark and I had about 5 mins to run to catch a train to work. And since it'll be dark tonight when I get back it'll likely be the weekend before I can have a look at it.

Anyone have any ideas? Something quick, easy and cheap. Blown fuse would be nice

[jmorgan]

Don't feel qualified to comment after my little episode but.....problematic immobiliser?
Also have you measured the battery voltage in the morning (I know you said charged and ok but when?). They can loose all charge in a matter of hours or less when nadgered. Also the start of my problems was a bad earth that was not standing out like a sore thumb. That is earth from battery to block so no or bad cranking.

[rev-erend]

Alarm / Immobaliser playing up..

Loose Battery connections or main battery lead to
starter motor not tight...

[p7ulg]

Wondered why it was still parked outside your door when I passed at 9:15.

[uriel]

My first thought was flat/knackered battery, but it's brand new (2 week old) so I assume it's operationalally ok. Over the last week since the only time it's being used is in the dark and wet the battery has taken a bit of a bashing. Every day the car gets a little harder to start, but as soon as it's driven without lights/wipers etc. for about 5 mins it tops up the bettery and it starts on the first turn. I ran the car yesterday a while without the electrics going and as of last night it started instantly. Plus the windows/wipers etc still work at full clip.

Guess it's a call to the auto electrics place that put in the alarm/immobiliser tomorrow.

[jmorgan]

Do you have a multimeter or know someone with one? Could try checking the voltage as you are starting it?

[jvaughan]

uiel, dont be disheartened... my 400 was almost faultless for the first 5 years of its life .. a few minor nigges, but nothing much to write about, then Bang .. new engine time. I asked myself the same question ... and then when the new engine was fitted, i forgot about the bad times ... Vroom ... Big Bad Wedge ...

[njhucker]

If you can also hear a click & then a whirring sound try tapping the starter motor with a something heavy & metallic. If not bump start it!

[uriel]

It was the battery, but I've never seen a car with a flat bettery behave like that before...

Trouble is that for the next couple of month at least the vast majority of my driving will be done in the dark and probably wet, so there'll be lights and wipers. May see if I can find a better battery. The one I have is new, and is the correct size, but not the correct rating. It's only 36AH I believe, same as the one I took out (Metro one I think). Going to have a look for one of those 'charge it up, stick it in the boot and use it to jump the car if goes flat' jobbies.

Anyway, thanks for the advice, you guys know best.

I'm just glad to be back .

[jmorgan]

Well done. Mines a bosche silver. Spins like a good un and when I couldn't start recently it seemed to last for ever on cold cranking before recharge being required. Mind you that has probably knackered it (disharge to flat etc) so keeping an eye on it myself. Also worth checking the battery is charging correctly?

[gaston]

If you park in a garage or close to the house there are some good trickle chargers on the market these days. I think called "Accumate" or something like that. Just plug in and leave the machine to it - modern electronics control the current and minimise risk of gassing etc. I believe it can even be plugged in the cigarette lighter fo maximum convenience. Price c£40 from your local motor parts outlet. Not that cheap but peace of mind with those famous "Blackpool illumination" electrics. No-one loves a car that won't start!