Help - electrical problem

[S3 Kieran]

Well I hoped the problems wouldn't have started yet, I've only had the Chim a week! (16 months in the S and zero problems!!)

Tried to start the Chim this morning (was running the night before) and turned over very slowly - have run every day and not done this previously. Tried the S as backup (not sold yet) which last ran on the bank holiday - fired up first time So I went to work in the S after plugging in the accumate.

Came home to find the battery even flatter - now won't even click solenoids, let alone turn over the engine. Changed chargers (have spare one from bike days) and left all evening - still no joy....

I noticed opening drivers door required two pushes under the mirror (every time) and interior light really dimmed as I did so. Noticable difference trying passenger side - should I read anything into this?

Tried to get to battery compartment, but after pulling out spaghetti and black box, did not reach battery - didn't want to pull too hard in case I damage something.

Maybe related, but previous night turned off engine for about a minute, and would not restart - assumed this was hot starter motor problem, which last owner assured me only happened on very hot days/long queues etc. After 5 mins restarted, so added to mental to do list, but thought nothing more until now.

Even Shpub's specimen battery chapter on the website wouldn't load tonight, so I'm feeling rather sh1t right now.

Any help would be very much appreciated

[Hut49]

Sounds like a battery that is way past its sell by date. Once the plates get sulphated trying to get charge in is like pushing custard up a hill. I have the same problem - even after a full nights charge there isn't enough to turn the engine over but I can lock/unlock and keep the alarm active. New battery on Wednesday.

[S3 Kieran]

Thanks Nick

That's where I would have gone, but I've had no warning signs (ther than described above). Can batteries give up that quick. I thought they would have started giving trouble over weeks/months rather than overnight??

[Hut49]

Mine was fine - no evidence of failing until one day last week when i thought there was a slight hesitation on turning the key. Two days later, after having driven over 100 miles the previous day, it failed in the morning. I think a rapid drop-off past the energy threshold required to turn the engine over is predictable, bearing in mind the extra loading this engine puts on the battery due to its performance characteristics.

[the dodger]

May not be relevant but last time mine ran flat the cause was passenger seat belt trapped in door. This was enough to keep the interior light delay relay energised (not the light itself) and sap all the volts from the battery. Charged up with proper charger and all OK since.

Yours however, sounds like new battery time.

[S3 Kieran]

Thanks guys

I think I'm going to have to agree and sort out a new battery - if I canever get into the by battery box!

I suppose another possibility is the battery sulphating to a point when there is suddenly a direct short across one cell, and hey presto, no more power (enough for doors etc, but not big stuff).