Battery problem???

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:58 pm

Hi guys,

I replaced my battery 3 weeks ago. Afew days ago I noticed my car was starting first time but seemed to struggle in the same way a weak battery does. Then I had to leave the car undriven for a few days recently. Yesterday the alarm went off but making a weird noise, like when the battery runs out, and sure enough when I went to turn it off the key fob wouldn't work indicating the battery was dead.

But its a new battery?

The only thing that gets left on when not in use is the recently fixed factory alarm/mobiliser. Do you think this could be draining the battery some how?? Never had this problem before I got the alarm fixed but then again that was when I had the old battery with life still in it.

Someone mentioned something about a failing coil? Any light on this? Otherwise if it is just a shoddy battery it came with a 1 year warrenty and the garage I got it from is just down the road.

My arms in a sling for about 7 weeks so its not like I can drive it anyway.

Thinkin bout doing an engine conversion to a 2.5 soon, as its currently a 1.8. Should I just wait till then to sort it?

Any advice welcome!

Cheers,

Nick

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 6:57 pm

You may have bought a dud new battery, just possibly your altenator isn't charging the battery, but most likely you have a drain on the battery
when parked up.
Favourite is the light in the boot, but if this isn't it you'll have to get a meter on it, and check by disconnecting circuits where the problem is.
A forum search should tell you how. I, and others, have described the process many times before.

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:05 pm

Cheers mate!

Once again, info appreciated. Can't think of where there might be a drainage. How can I check if my boot light is staying on?

Think I'll just get the guys from the garage to take a look but I'm sue they'll say something like my alternators gone in defence for their battery and possibly get some work out of it, whether thats the problem or not. You know what garages can be like!

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:15 pm

You mentioned recent repair work to your alarm system - possible culprit could be the glovebox light staying on. Maybe the switch has been moved or broken while the guys had the glovebox out to access alarm wiring?

Taylor.

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:36 pm

Nah mate, it was just the unit itself that I took out from the bay to be coded with the repaired key fobs.

Thanks anyways tho

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:38 pm

If I get the battery replaced, think I'll leave the alarm off for a bit just to see whether i can cancel it out as a culprit.

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 10:37 pm

get a solar battery charger thing of ebay if you don't drive all that much. I't wont charge a dead battery but it will keep the battery topped up.

Search for the drain though as well..

Post Sat Feb 25, 2006 10:53 pm

I've got a battery charger but not got round to taking the battery out. At some point if I don't get the guy from the garage to look at it/replace it I'll charge it and put it back in but not turn the alarm on although I cant see how the alarm would make a difference. It shouldn't do! Plus the only light that stays on as far as I know is the immobiliser light which is one red led.

Although at the moment I'm more excited bout gettin the conversion started!!

Cheers!

Post Sun Feb 26, 2006 11:57 am

NIX wrote:Can't think of where there might be a drainage. How can I check if my boot light is staying on?

Get in the boot and shut the lid :lol:

Post Sun Feb 26, 2006 12:01 pm

chu346 wrote:
NIX wrote:Can't think of where there might be a drainage. How can I check if my boot light is staying on?
Get in the boot and shut the lid

That's exactly how to do it - but have a trusted friend handy to let you out.

Post Sun Feb 26, 2006 12:06 pm

Think I'll get the trusted friend to be the one who gets in the boot.

Thanks for the 'technical' tip

Post Sun Feb 26, 2006 12:11 pm

I'd look through the hole where the arm rest is.

Or check for current draw with the light in place, then check with it taken out.

Or just take it out anyway!

Post Sun Feb 26, 2006 12:54 pm

Cheers mate. Although I think I'll just try to convince a mate to get in the boot. Got to find one the right size tho. Got a sub taking up a bit of space. Could always get one of the kids on my street to do it for a quid but would definitely expect a visit from the police if someone saw.