Car not starting despite new battery

tompparker

Hi,

About a month ago my sister's car (P reg Vauxhall Vectra) wouldn't start. It turned over but the battery seemed to be flat. Dashboard lights on but gradually getting dimmer as tried to start. Tried jump starting but that didn't work. Then tried charging the battery several hours with a charger and that worked a couple of times but then it just went completely dead. Was advised the battery was dead so replaced it with a new one.

The car has only been driven a few times in the past month but since replacing the battery the car started fine until yesterday. It was the same problem as before - turning over weakly and not starting with dash lights showing dimly. The car had been driven the day before. Again tried with jump leads but this had no effect, just turning over slowly then a clicking sound. Tried charging overnight and it starting fine in the morning.

Any advice as to the cause of the problem would be greatly appreciated.

djheath

Sounds like the battery is dead, or the live feed to the starter motor is corroded and not passing enough electricity to motor.

Problem now sounds like a dead battery, but it may be that your alternator is knackerd meaning the battery hasn't been charging whilst driving. Only way to check is to get the car started then check what the voltage of the batter terminals ready with a multimeter. It should be about 13 volts or so.

at the minute, charge the battery, then try and start the car. If it still just clicks, the starter motor is stuck. Try hitting the solenoid gently with a birmingham screw driver (hammer) to loosen it up.

tompparker

Thanks djhealth. The car has been starting ok for the last couple of days (after being charged overnight on Monday night). Will get hold of a multimeter and check the battery.

PS 'Birmingham Screw Driver' :rotfl:

Locknut

It will be the alternator by the sounds of it.

tompparker

Thanks Jplocksmiths, I'll have the alternator checked.