Car won't start

Sabre Man

I've narrowed it down to the battery due to the fact that when I try starting the car I hear a clicking noise, and when turning on the interior light while doing so the light goes dim.

However, the battery's only 2 years old, so I'm wondering if it's worth jump starting the car and keeping the battery, or if the battery's a lost cause.

I should mention that I usually only drive it about once every 1-2 weeks. I think the wipers have been a bit slow the last few times I've needed to use them.

To complicate matters futher I need it on Tuesday for an NCT.

So do you think the battery simply needs a recharge, or is it not uncommon for a battery to die so young?

hbr

Sabre Man wrote: »

However, the battery's only 2 years old, so I'm wondering if it's worth jump starting the car and keeping the battery, or if the battery's a lost cause.

Two years is a short life for a car battery. Mine is five years old and still
going strong. Some batteries have a two year warranty. Maybe you
could bring it back and get a replacement?

If it isn't a sealed battery, check the electrolyte level. Charge the battery
and if possible, check the voltage across the battery while the engine is
stopped and while the engine is running. You should see somewhere
between 12-13V when the engine is stopped and somewhere around
14V with the engine running.

If you don't have a voltmeter, you should be able to see a slight
brightening of the headlights when you start the engine. This
indicates that the alternator is working and delivering current
to the battery.

Check the tension of the alternator drive belt. If it is very
loose, it can slip under load.

Sabre Man

hbr wrote: »

If you don't have a voltmeter, you should be able to see a slight brightening of the headlights when you start the engine. This
indicates that the alternator is working and delivering current
to the battery.

The headlights dimmed when I tried starting. Looks like I need a new alternator then, does it?

Edit: The alternator was repaired in January 2008.

hbr

Sabre Man wrote: »

The headlights dimmed when I tried starting. Looks like I need a new alternator then, does it?

That is normal even with a good battery and alternator.

Sabre Man wrote: »

Edit: The alternator was repaired in January 2008.

I wouldn't jump to any conclusions. The symptoms could indicate
any one of a number of problems. Bad battery, dirty battery terminal
connections, bad alternator, loose alternator drive belt, faulty starter
motor and/or starter solenoid.......

I would start with a simple voltage test and take it from there.
http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/battery.htm

The cheapest digital multimeters are perfectly suitable for
this test. I bought one from Lidl for €4.99 a couple of years
ago. Even the robbers at Maplin will only charge slightly
more.

If the charging system is working properly, then the battery
is the next most likely candidate. Maybe you could borrow
a known good battery to see if that works ok.

As time is running out for the NCT, you might have to
get an auto electrician to take a look at it.

ps: if you have a key-code stereo, make sure you know the code
before you disconnect the battery.

Sabre Man

Thanks for your help

Hopefully I can get someone to have a look at it tomorrow.

paul_brady2

Sounds like it could be a problem with the battery or the starter. The lights would dim when trying to start either way because of the high current usage needed to run the starter.

Easiest way would be to try to jump start from another car. Make sure battery terminals are clean and tight. If it starts then it's a problem with the battery. If it still does the same clicking then it's probably the starter.

You can try tipping the solenoid of the starter and seeing if it will help to get you running but this won't cure the problem it's just a get-by.

Best of luck.