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starting problem
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 5:35 pm
by sid 60
Have a 1999 1.4 Ltr.Trying to start the engine but engine does not turn, can hear a chattering ( maybe a relay type sound) from the engine bay but cannot identify where the noise it is comming from. The dashboard lights also flash on and off when trying. Any suggestions please.
Re: starting problem
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:23 pm
by vdub10
hmm flat battery.
just an idea
Re: starting problem
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:33 pm
by alexperkins
Battery is dead - thats a definate. The chattering the the throttle body resetting due to lack of power
Get a new battery and your problem will go away!
Re: starting problem
Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 9:01 am
by vdub10
thought that might have been prob
tom
Re: starting problem
Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:53 pm
by sid 60
now the snow is clearing might be able to get a car near for a jump start, this car had a new battery last year so thought that would be OK. Thanks.
Re: starting problem
Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 1:16 pm
by vdub10
give it ago. there the same symptons i was having when i stupidly left my lights on. just jumped it off using a jump pack all good now.
Re: starting problem
Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 1:32 pm
by alexperkins
sid 60 wrote:now the snow is clearing might be able to get a car near for a jump start, this car had a new battery last year so thought that would be OK. Thanks.
do not jump start it.
You need to put the battery on a decent charger. If its that flat, a jump start will get the car started, but the alternator cannot provide a solid charging current - it will only provide a top up charge so it will go flat again, and the battery will be damaged
Re: starting problem
Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:16 pm
by vdub10
oooow i learnt something todya sorry alex. wrong info given i didint no that to be honest.
sorry
tom
Re: starting problem
Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 2:14 am
by sylvester
Alex wrote:
do not jump start it.
You need to put the battery on a decent charger. If its that flat, a jump start will get the car started, but the alternator cannot provide a solid charging current - it will only provide a top up charge so it will go flat again, and the battery will be damaged
Can you justify the above quote?
vdub10 wrote:
oooow i learnt something todya sorry alex. wrong info given i didint no that to be honest
no wrong info given.
The cold weather
will find out a failing battery especially if its over 3 or 4 years old in normal use.
Re: starting problem
Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 7:30 am
by alexperkins
An alternator can provide a strong current for a healthy battery. If the battery is completely flat, due to the current not being intense like that of an external charger, it will partially recharge in the time you are running the car, then start to discharge quite quickly as it has not been charged to capacity.
As I am sure you are aware, car batteries do not like deep discharges, as going flat and recharging on various occasions will damage the plates inside the battery. The plates gain sulphur deposits on them, which can only be 'removed' by a high current external charger - this is known as depolarisation.
Looking back on this, if really needed you can jump start it, however you should take the battery out of the car as soon as you can after your journey is complete and give it a proper charge.