Got a flat battery (when buying a new battery)

[CountryPug]

Pretty much as the title says, over the last couple of days I'd noticed my battery going downhill sharply. The car coughed into life after a slow turn this morning and when leaving work this afternoon it was even worse. In my wisdom I decided to go and buy a good battery there and then. However, I had to turn the car off when I got to the local parts store and inevitably when I came back out with my kickass new battery it wouldnt start. Had to get a couple of folk to give me a push Now I've got the new battery in and I'm praying for trouble free motoring until next year

[Archangel]

Pretty much as the title says, over the last couple of days I'd noticed my battery going downhill sharply. The car coughed into life after a slow turn this morning and when leaving work this afternoon it was even worse. In my wisdom I decided to go and buy a good battery there and then. However, I had to turn the car off when I got to the local parts store and inevitably when I came back out with my kickass new battery it wouldnt start. Had to get a couple of folk to give me a push Now I've got the new battery in and I'm praying for trouble free motoring until next year

one cell goes down on a diesel battery and you deffo need a new one , but make sure it` s for a diesel or it`ll be crap when we get to winter

[steve_earwig]

I don't think batteries have "for diesels" on them, it's the amps you know.

[omega]

I don't think batteries have "for diesels" on them, it's the amps you know.

i also thought that the way to tell a good battery is by its cranking power.

[CountryPug]

OK, My WORST NIGHTMARE, its NOT the battery Went down to the local shop there and the 406 wouldnt start when I came out. When I turned over the ignition the engine wouldnt even turn this time. A couple of locals gave me a push down the street and I was able to jump start her and get home. There was plenty of battery power, lights were on full power and no problems when I got going. I'm guessing that the starter motor is knackered? Can't think what else it could be.

[HimBigChief]

Probably starter. Did it click when you tried to turn the engine over?

[steve_earwig]

Bugger Check the voltage to the motor when you're winding it as it could also be a dodgy connection (not likely though)

[FarmerPug]

14.4v when its on is a healthy voltagee

[CountryPug]

Probably starter. Did it click when you tried to turn the engine over?

I didnt hear it click, mind you I let go of the key as soon as it didnt turn the engine. My engine is one of the best starters aswell, usually one turn and it starts no matter how cold it is.

Bugger Check the voltage to the motor when you're winding it as it could also be a dodgy connection (not likely though)

I checked the connections when I couldnt get it started, everything seems ok in that department.

[teamster1975]

OK, My WORST NIGHTMARE, its NOT the battery Went down to the local shop there and the 406 wouldnt start when I came out. When I turned over the ignition the engine wouldnt even turn this time. A couple of locals gave me a push down the street and I was able to jump start her and get home. There was plenty of battery power, lights were on full power and no problems when I got going. I'm guessing that the starter motor is knackered? Can't think what else it could be.

Starter motor. I changed mine earlier this week having nursed it along with the odd belt every now and again but it finally died.
Not a terribly difficult job & a new motor from a factors was £72 for mine.

[Archangel]

I don't think batteries have "for diesels" on them, it's the amps you know.

sorry , meant to say " heavy duty "

[Bailes1992]

When it dosen't start again give it a whack with something heavy

[FarmerPug]

I recall the starter jammed on my old 309 must have been full of muck, but when trying to start it i got someone to hold in the key while i tapped the motor got it going, so did leaving it parked on a hill.

[CountryPug]

Lol, yeah the parking on a hill trick is the way forward

At times like this I revert to my backup car which never lets me down, behold my households backup run-about!



This little car doesn't look interesting BUT comes equiped with an automatic gearbox, K&N panel filter and a decat exhaust

[FarmerPug]

a petrol 106 auto, it cant be started on the hill, but a tidy example of a 106 nonetheless