Discussion
Hi
Over the last 2 weeks if I leave my car unused for 3 or 4 days when I go to start it it sluggishly turns over and won’t fire. I have to turn off ignition, try again and repeat. Usually it will start on 3rd or 4th attempt. This is the first time it’s done this since I’ve had it, about 4 years.
Could it be the cold weather making the battery “die”?
When it does start a yellow light that looks like skid warning is on on the dash. Once I’ve driven a way and stopped it will usually start again ok and the the yellow,light is no longer there.
Car is an 09 mx5 2 litre. 27000 miles on clock. Driven very low mileage each year, even less In lockdown.
Grateful for any ideas/advice.
Thanks
Over the last 2 weeks if I leave my car unused for 3 or 4 days when I go to start it it sluggishly turns over and won’t fire. I have to turn off ignition, try again and repeat. Usually it will start on 3rd or 4th attempt. This is the first time it’s done this since I’ve had it, about 4 years.
Could it be the cold weather making the battery “die”?
When it does start a yellow light that looks like skid warning is on on the dash. Once I’ve driven a way and stopped it will usually start again ok and the the yellow,light is no longer there.
Car is an 09 mx5 2 litre. 27000 miles on clock. Driven very low mileage each year, even less In lockdown.
Grateful for any ideas/advice.
Thanks
You will need to check the handbook for what that warning light means.
Fully charge the battery with a battery charger & see what happens.
Your symptoms suggest a low battery. Short drives will put a surface charge into it but that's about all.
https://www.optimabatteries.com/experience/blog/fa...
Fully charge the battery with a battery charger & see what happens.
Your symptoms suggest a low battery. Short drives will put a surface charge into it but that's about all.
https://www.optimabatteries.com/experience/blog/fa...
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 10th February 20:51
I would assume the yellow warning light is the stability control being disabled, probably being triggered due to battery low voltage. A combination of cold ambient temps and the car not being used will be putting strain on the battery.
As said, give the battery a good charge. If the issue persists, buy a new battery.
As said, give the battery a good charge. If the issue persists, buy a new battery.
Cheers all.
I suspect the battery in there is the original fitted at the factory in 09.
I don't own a battery charger so not sure whether to try and borrow one(no one I know has one I don't think) or just get a new battery sorted.
Was reading up on MX5 battery change and apparently it's a pita if there no lifting strap on the top as its wedged into its slot pretty tightly. Will have to have a quick look.
If I charge it do I have to disconnect the negative or positive side first?
Thanks
I suspect the battery in there is the original fitted at the factory in 09.
I don't own a battery charger so not sure whether to try and borrow one(no one I know has one I don't think) or just get a new battery sorted.
Was reading up on MX5 battery change and apparently it's a pita if there no lifting strap on the top as its wedged into its slot pretty tightly. Will have to have a quick look.
If I charge it do I have to disconnect the negative or positive side first?
Thanks
CopperBolt said:
Cheers all.
I suspect the battery in there is the original fitted at the factory in 09.
Replace the battery. Don't mess about charging a 12 year old battery.... It'll only improve the starting temporarily.I suspect the battery in there is the original fitted at the factory in 09.
12 is great going for a battery. Invest in a decent brand, not an ebay 'no name'.
Sorry to keep bumping this.
Been out to look at the battery. Its got a sticker on the side saying fitting date, numbers 1 to 12 and then 2018,2019,2020,2021 . So I would guess this battery was fitted in 2018 some time? They wouldn't put that sticker on it in 2009....
So Im wondering now if a good charge will sort it. Or is 4 years my lot.
Can I charge it without disconnecting the wires to the battery in the car? Don't want the stereo to lock me out by asking for an unlock PIN which I wont know or anything when I reconnect power.
Thanks.
Been out to look at the battery. Its got a sticker on the side saying fitting date, numbers 1 to 12 and then 2018,2019,2020,2021 . So I would guess this battery was fitted in 2018 some time? They wouldn't put that sticker on it in 2009....
So Im wondering now if a good charge will sort it. Or is 4 years my lot.
Can I charge it without disconnecting the wires to the battery in the car? Don't want the stereo to lock me out by asking for an unlock PIN which I wont know or anything when I reconnect power.
Thanks.
Couple of things.
1) If the battery is 11 or 4 years old, it's time to replace it
2) If your car is slow to start on the first crank on the 1st and 2nd crank but starts eventually on the 3rd or 4th, it's likely that it's not the battery as the starter draws a lot of amps and the battery won't recover for a 3rd or 4th start. Check and clean all your ground connections and put a meter on the battery so that you can see the voltage drop
1) If the battery is 11 or 4 years old, it's time to replace it
2) If your car is slow to start on the first crank on the 1st and 2nd crank but starts eventually on the 3rd or 4th, it's likely that it's not the battery as the starter draws a lot of amps and the battery won't recover for a 3rd or 4th start. Check and clean all your ground connections and put a meter on the battery so that you can see the voltage drop
It's showing signs of no longer being at its optimum performance. Unless you are going to change your usage of the car I'd recommend that you just replace it, if you value reliability.
Charging it, but without changing your driving habits will only be a temporary reprieve. What make of battery is fitted to the car?
Charging it, but without changing your driving habits will only be a temporary reprieve. What make of battery is fitted to the car?
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