Car wont start

irishguy

I have a 99 Opel astra 1.4 petrol. I havent used it in a couple of weeks with the snow and when I tried to start it today it wont start. I tried to jump it but with no success. I can hear it trying to start and the electrics are working inside. So I dont know if I need a new battery or could it be the starter?

mbiking123

Put the front lights on

Try to start it, if the light dies as you attempt to start its prob the battery. Sometimes a jump start wont work on a bad battery if power of battery is too low

When did you last change the battery

Given its a 99 you will encounter little problems, ever got a new starter in the car before?

irishguy

mbiking123 wrote: »

Put the front lights on

Try to start it, if the light dies as you attempt to start its prob the battery. Sometimes a jump start wont work on a bad battery if power of battery is too low

When did you last change the battery

Given its a 99 you will encounter little problems, ever got a new starter in the car before?

I have the car 2 years and I havent replaced the battery. I had to jumpstart it about 6 months ago also and it has worked fine since. Havent replaced the starter either.

The central locking wouldnt work property (Not all the doors will lock) either before trying to jump it and after its working fine, so it could be just the battery.

mbiking123

I have the car 2 years and I havent replaced the battery. I had to jumpstart it about 6 months ago also and it has worked fine since. Havent replaced the starter either.

The central locking wouldnt work property (Not all the doors will lock) either before trying to jump it and after its working fine, so it could be just the battery.

Given you jumpstarted it 6 months ago and battery loose power in the cold, I think you're right. Its the battery. If you have a multimeter you can check voltage

You might be able to take out battery, if so bring it to electrical/auto factor etc and they may be able to check it for you. About 70 for a replacement

Car alarms can give trouble when changing battery

Del2005

More then likely the battery. This time leave the cars connected for a few min before trying to start and then go for a good long spin.

Battery is on it's way out though so you should get a new one or if not possible leave the battery on charge during extra cold spells.

irishguy

Thanks guys thats what I was thinking. Ill try and pick up a new one tomorrow.

irishguy

Do you think you would ned to use a memory keeper not sure if my radio has a pin.

irishguy

Just changed the battery (Radio didnt have a code) and it started fine (after 3 attempts). I did notice that there was quite a bit of black liquid (OIL??) behind the exhaust. Any idea what might be causing this? I did blow a head gasket about a year ago and the O2 sensor has been on for a bit, not sure if that caused other problems.

.. Just while I type I realise I really need a new car

Biglad

irishguy wrote: »

Just changed the battery (Radio didnt have a code) and it started fine (after 3 attempts). I did notice that there was quite a bit of black liquid (OIL??) behind the exhaust. Any idea what might be causing this? I did blow a head gasket about a year ago and the O2 sensor has been on for a bit, not sure if that caused other problems.

.. Just while I type I realise I really need a new car

Don't throw it off a cliff just yet, might just be condensation mixed with fumes etc. after lying idle for a while. Pick it up between fingers and check if it's oil or dirty water just...

Wheelnut

Don't worry about that stuff coming out of the exhaust, Gormless and cronies are doing enough worrying already! besides, it's probabl only condensation and some unburned sh!t from your previous attempts to start.