Does car need new battery?

snit_girl

my brother has just came in asking if I think his car needs a new battery (I have no idea). He says that the light inside won't switch on when the engine isn't running. He's just back from a 20(ish) mile drive so it should be fully charged.

It's a 53 reg Fiesta. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem might be?

SailorSam

Call into any motor shop and they'll check it for you for free.
Only takes two minutes.

forgotmyname

Put headlights & hazards on for at least 20 minutes with the engine off, then see if it starts.

If it does its good enough, If not replace.

I have left the sidelights on for over 6 hours with a new battery & still started OK.

skiddlydiddly

Just take it to a motor factors, most will test it for free and be able to tell you if its the battery, alternator, or neither.

maninthestreet

If the battery was flat, you would not be able to start the car. Sounds like some minor electrical fault specific to the interior light.

mkirkby

If the engine starts, it's not the battery. & although I'm being cynical, I would be wary taking any car to a battery place to have the battery checked.

Once fitted a new battery to someone's car and two weeks later they were having new brakes fitted at Kwik-fit.

"Just checked the voltage on your battery as car seems sluggish to start. You need a new one".....

Anyway, a cheap multimeter is only a few quid and it's easy to use