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Author Topic: Nasty Gremlins..  (Read 2004 times)

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Sir Tigger KC

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Nasty Gremlins..
« on: 14 January 2011, 16:27:34 »
Hi All,

I havn't been using my car much over the last few weeks and have kept the battery disconnected as there's a power drain that flattens it.... So on the odd occasion I've reconnected to give it a run and all has been fine. Until now...........

I forgot to disconnect the other day and sure enough the battery went flat, so recharged it, but when I put it back and turned the key all I got was a clunk and then the dash and internal door lights started flickering, along with something knocking away in time.....

I'm wondering if the lack of action has caused some damp getting in somewhere or if its got a dodgy earth? I'm not good good with car electrics so any help would be appreciated! Thanks  :y

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Kneepad

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #1 on: 14 January 2011, 20:12:59 »

Sounds like your battery is still flat. For how long did you charge it?
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Andy H

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #2 on: 14 January 2011, 22:18:36 »
Classic symptoms of a battery that has enough charge to power the solenoid and engage the starter but not enough to turn the engine over.

(it could also be caused by a loose battery connection)
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Andy B

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #3 on: 14 January 2011, 22:50:53 »
Quote
...

(it could also be caused by a loose battery connection)

or a knackered battery.  ;) ;)
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Sir Tigger KC

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #4 on: 15 January 2011, 00:05:02 »
The battery was charged overnight, but I've left it for a few days (disconnected). It was showing 12.64v on the meter?

It was nice and green in the little window as well... :D
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tidla

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #5 on: 15 January 2011, 00:29:34 »
Quote
Quote
...

(it could also be caused by a loose battery connection)

or a knackered battery.  ;) ;)

first port of call, charge the battery, then get it drop tested.
9/10 duff cell in the battery.
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Sir Tigger KC

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #6 on: 15 January 2011, 00:40:44 »
Hi Tappet,

If it has a dropped cell, would it still show 12.65v a few days after being charged tho?

Cheers :y
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Sir Tigger KC

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #7 on: 15 January 2011, 16:26:16 »
Quick update....

I cleaned up all the terminals and connectors and she started up no probs and the electrics behaved fine :y

So I went for a run, about 40 miles A roads and D carriagways, then decided to treat her to the car wash.  Sat in the car wash with the radio and blowers on feeling pleased with myself.. 8-)

Until.... Yep you guessed it went to start and the battery was as flat as a pancake! Doh!! :o  Luckily I had jumpleads and the lady behind realised she wasn't getting her car washed if she didn't help.. ;D So I wasn't stuck for long!

Guess I need a new battery!  ::)
« Last Edit: 15 January 2011, 16:27:33 by TiggerHayes »
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the alarming man

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #8 on: 15 January 2011, 16:31:27 »
yep think you do...it would possibly show 12v with a duff cell as it not the volts that is the problem it the amp's the battery is kicking out...or not  :y
« Last Edit: 15 January 2011, 16:32:16 by the_alarming_man »
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Sir Tigger KC

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #9 on: 15 January 2011, 16:43:08 »
Better a duff battery than fried electrics!!  :)

Out of interest how long should a battery last? I got this one about 4 years ago and its a Bosch...  :-/

Also, and this is a long shot, but might a duff battery make it run abit 'lumpy'? ie its missing at low revs?  :-?
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Andy H

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Re: Nasty Gremlins..
« Reply #10 on: 15 January 2011, 18:31:44 »
4 years is a bit poor for a quality battery but not unusual if it is allowed to go flat in a vehicle that isn't used regularly.

Have you measured the voltage at the battery with the engine running?

Have a read of this guide Battery, Charging and Starting Diagnosis and let us know how you get on :y
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