Problem with Battery?

MangoLime

Hi all,

I have a Ford Ka (year 2000) in which the battery died during winter so we replaced it with a new one. However, I've noticed that now and again, when I turn the car on, it doesn't make that chugga chugga sound (I believe the term is turning over?) that's its supposed to and a little light comes on near the petrol gage with a picture of the battery in it.

When this happens, I switch the car off and the switchh it on again and everything works fine.

I was wondering if somebody to explain (preferably in layman's terms as I don't know anything about cars) to me why this happens? Is it a a problem with the engine or simply because the car is old?

thanks!

JoeySully

the "alternator" i.e The part that makes the electricity in your car and keeps the battery charged has probably failed or is on the way out or it could just be a loose fan belt or poor electrical connection at the alternator or the battery OR your new battery has already failed.

carchaeologist

Sounds like loose battery pole connection/ bad earth or bad connection on the starter. I'm presuming you mean when you attempt to start the car nothing happens?
You should probably get a mechanic to take a looksee.

jimmyw

Every time you switch on the ignition, a number of lights should always light up i.e battery, oil, handbrake.Some should go off once the engine fires up such as the batt and oil while the handbrake light should go off as soon as the handbrake is released.Should this come on again, it usually also doubles as a low brake fluid level.Sounds like there is a bad connection somewhere maybe at the starter motor or the solenoid (heavy duty switch on top of the starter motor).The fact that the battery light is coming on would point to it not been a bad connection at the battery.

corktina

check the battery terminals are clean and tight would be first option I reckon.

(greta to know KAs are classic already:D)

unkel

Moved from Classic Cars to Motors

MangoLime

thanks for the help everyone!