No start, any ideas please?

[Mark sP]

Hi guys. I have done several searches, but failed to turn anything up.

Just went out to my car (see sig), and it would not start.

What happens is......

Turn key, ign lights come on normally. Turn to crank and I get what sounds like a single turn of the engine and then loads of rapid clicks from from under the left hand side of the dash, (where you lhd driveguys keep your feet) and the dash lights flash in time with the clicks.

I do not have a tester or the knowledge to use one, but I have taken the battery out and placed it on charge. My charger has a guage on it with 3 zones. Red, Yellow and blue. The needle is currently sitting half way up the guage in the yellow. Does this mean the battery is duff?

BTW, its a 480 amp battery, is that correct if I buy a new battery, or should i go bigger/stronger?

TIA

[ruf-porsche]

Let the battery charge for a while. If the gauge doesn't come back down you need a new battery.

[Mark sP]

OK. Car started after a recharge. Now to see if the battery dies over night..................

[mfbarnes]

Hey MarK:

Classic bad battery symptoms. If it takes a charge but quickly dies anyway, the plates are failing. To be sure, take it to your local garage and ask them to do a load test....here in the US, there is usually no charge for a load test because they want to sell you a battery.

Someday I'll have to revisit the UK and learn how to shift with the left hand.

Cheers,

MFB

[Joe Bob]

After a good overnight charge....put a voltmeter on the posts, should read 12.5-13v at rest, 13-13.5 at idle, 13.0-14 max at 2500 rpms.....less when running, bad alternator ....more than 14.5 bad regulator.

At rest less than 12.5 volts bad battery....

[Mark sP]

Thankyou guys. Very helpful. I will put a meter on it in the morning. If it starts. At least I know how to test it now. Many thanks.