HELP! Engine won't start

collinsca

Hi

My Honda HRV 2015 had a warning light yesterday to check tyre pressure.

I drove it this morning for 15 mins, then went home and filled the tyres with air, went to the car to check all was OK, but when i turned the engine it would not start.

It turns and clicks and all the lights on the dash come on including "Check VSA", "Check ABS", "Check CTBA", "Check EP". I read that this could be a flat battery, so i have attempted to start with my jump starter - which was only on 18%, so i am now sat waiting for that to charge to 100%.

Any suggestions?
Does it sound like the battery?
Anything else i can try?

Bit confused as to why i was able to use it this morning once to go to the shop before the battery died.

I HAVE called RAC, but that is a 4 hour wait.

Thanks!

paul_c123

what make and model of jump starter do you have?

Mildly_Miffed

Just a click, then a whole load of errors, does indeed sound like low voltage.

Has it EVER had a battery before? 10yr, and the first really cold morning (3deg showing at 7.30am here) is prime battery-death. But it started first time, then didn't a little later… Could be a poor connection to one terminal.

Do you have a multimeter or ciggy socket voltmeter?

daveyjp

First cooler morning. Ideal conditions for that older battery to let you down - daughter's car had exactly the same earlier this year.

collinsca

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82171482#Comment_82171482

It's an Awanfi X830

twopenny

Sounds like the battery.

You used it's last gasp for a short trip.

collinsca

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82171493#Comment_82171493

A replacement battery you mean? Unsure… I have only had the car about 2 months.

OK- Re poor connection to one terminal - i wouldnt know how to diagnose, but everything seems pretty snug.

No, i dont know what a multimeter is - i should maybe invest!

Stubod

..sounds very much like a the battery has expired. Probably never been changed, so 11 years is a good age for a battery. Just take it to one of the many battery / exhaust garages and they will test it for you, (needs to be tested under load), then replace as necessary….

Grumpy_chap

IF the RAC arrive and diagnose a flat battery, they will offer to supply and fit a new battery right there and then.

The alternative would be recovery to your home or to a place where the battery can be exchanged.

You might benefit from using some of the time while you are waiting to check the price for a new battery in the general market. Online suppliers are generally the cheapest but you might not be confident fitting the new battery yourself. Various quick service (including retailers with a fitting service) companies might well be the next in line price-wise.

You might still decide the RAC battery is the most convenient but, at least if you do the above checks while you are waiting, you will know how the price quoted by RAC compares with the price elsewhere.

collinsca

Thanks All.

Ah, that's good to know RAC will replace. In terms of convenience, i'll probably just pay.

Ive done some research and at Halfords a battery is between £105-£120 with free fitting.

collinsca

Still waiting for RAC… but my friend has said because it is a "stop/start" i.e. engine cuts out when you stop and then starts when pull away… that batteries are more expensive… does this sound right?