Dead battery - easy to DIY?

Kiith

So i know nothing about cars. I'm slowly watching some basic videos as i should know some of this stuff, but for right now...nada. I'm just about to pass my test (using instructors car) and have my own car ready to go once i do (Ford Focus 2010 (1.6 diesel)).

That car has been idle for around 2 months now, and is dead with what i assume is a dead battery. I had been using it to just get practice reversing it in my drive way, finding the biting point, clutch control, reversing etc...a few weeks back it tried to start, struggled and wouldn't start. Now it won't even do that, so i assume battery. I'd like to get some more basic practice in it before the test, so if i can kick start it today or tomorrow, that would be great.

1. How easy is it for an absolute amateur like me to jump a car? It seems straightforward enough from what YouTube tells me? And could i use something like this - https://www.halfords.ie/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/jump-leads/4-in-1-jump-starter?
2. Once started, will the battery charge if i just leave it idle? I can't actually drive it around yet, as i don't have it insured (waiting for the full licence), but if i can leave the engine on for a while to charge the battery, i can at least get some practice in the back drive.
3. Is there anything else i need to be aware of given the car has been idle for so long?
4. Or am i better off just getting it to a garage for a service?

The Real B-man

1.Try a jump start ,borrow a car with similair or higher engine capacity and Jump cables, if all the lights are on it may just need the jump to get going bring for a long drive so the alternator has time to charge the battery.

2. Take the battery out and stick on charge if you have access to a battery charger

3. Replace the battery my guess it's the Original and it has being sitting up and is now knackerd

Kiith

The Real B-man wrote: »

1.Try a jump start ,borrow a car with similair or higher engine capacity and Jump cables, if all the lights are on it may just need the jump to get going bring for a long drive so the alternator has time to charge the battery.

Assuming i can even get it started, will it charge the battery sitting with the engine on? I can't bring it anywhere at the moment, as i don't have it taxed or insured yet.

Also, on the attached image, is the ground connection where i have highlighted?

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=493973&stc=1&d=1572363590

The Real B-man

Kiith wrote: »

Assuming i can even get it started, will it charge the battery sitting with the engine on? I can't bring it anywhere at the moment, as i don't have it taxed or insured yet.

Also, on the attached image, is the ground connection where i have highlighted?

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=493973&stc=1&d=1572363590

In that case try a battery charger good place to start if it's not on the road you don't want a new battery dying sitting idle.

Cant view attachment polarity will be clearly marked on battery, use the chasis as a ground if jumping it

Kiith

Added a different photo there. Positive is pretty clearly marked, but i think the negative is unreachable. From the manual, it says connect to the ground connection.

dodzy

1. Open the +. You just have to loosen it and the connection will lift off.

2. Open 2 fully. This is the retaining bracket that holds the battery in place. Once off, there should be a little play which should allow you to move the battery towards the front of the car thus providing access to nut 3 (negative terminal). You need to move the battery forward and up to remove it anyway.

Installation of new battery is above in reverse

Should take you all of 5 mins.

Kiith

I should be able to get the jump cable onto the number 3 nut, so if it doesn't need replacing and just needs a jump, i can skip step 1 and 2 right? Or am i better off doing steps 1 and 2 anyway to give myself more room to maneuver?

dodzy

Jump leads will attach without moving anything. My instruction is for a battery change, which you’re better off doing IMO. The coming months will expose weakness in ailing batteries. Better off sorting it now.