Basically hopped in my car this morning hadn't used it for around a week tried to start it and nothing. Electrics seem to work fine. But no response from the car not even a turn over. I'm thinking it's the battery It's been a bit odd when starting for a while my fault for not checking it fully, might go pick up a new battery tomorrow as the one I have has been in the car from new AFAIK. Anyone know which type I need?. Thanks. Car is a Focus.
Car won't start
- Thread starter Tom|Nbk
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Do you not hear anything from the car at all, do the warning lights come on the dash. A quick test to see if the battery has no or little charge turn your headlights on if they slowly dim then that will be your problem.
thedazman
thedazman
Yup good test that.
Tom, if the electrics appear ok but it won't start have you tried bump starting her? It may be the starter motor?
Sounds like the battery. Bump start it and go for a drive. Make sure you drive for like 20-30mins. Will charge the battery nicely in that time. If the battery seems fine after than you just drained it too much, if not then it could either be the alternator or battery, which a quick reading off the alternator when running will let you know. Or it could even be a dodgey earth that is making it drain quick.
Will a battery be charged up enough from completely drained? I thought if its completely drained you have to charge it properly as simply driving for 30mins will generally only give you enough charge for another start?
Yep just been out done "the headlight" test, headlights almost completely dimmed even at full beam. This is a total shock to me I didn't think leaving my car for a week would lead to this 
, I'd rather get the battery fully charged or just get a new battery all together. I'd really not want to risk going out to find it's drained after a bump start etc. So I now have a choice, pick up a charger or new battery. Both will be around the same cost afaik.
, I'd rather get the battery fully charged or just get a new battery all together. I'd really not want to risk going out to find it's drained after a bump start etc. So I now have a choice, pick up a charger or new battery. Both will be around the same cost afaik.
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Does the starter make a click?
Yes. Zero turnover though absoloutly flat as a fart
Soldato
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Yea, flat battery.
Don't bother with the headlamp test, you can damage your battery taking it too low.
The bigger concern is what drained the battery in a week.
In the last few weeks I have barely needed to use my car and mainly been using it for short journeys maybe the fact the car hasn't had a good chance to charge in these short journeys and it's just drained. Im thinking if I ring the AA tommorow for a jump start and maybe they can diagnose it some what then I can take it straight to the local garage for a battery/alternator test.
Yeah the battery is probably in a bad way after lots of short hops. I've left my car (Also a 1.6 Focus) parked in long stay airport parking when I went away for a week and I was also a bit apprehensive that when we got back that I might face a problem. Jumped back in and it started as sweet as it usually does.
I just wish I had found this out sooner since I need the car for Tuesday. Im also worried If I buy a new battery and put it in, I then find out that that one then drains and then I supose I'll know it's the alternator. Anymore ideas guys, Im kind of in a tight spot what to do here 
Soldato
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Was about to suggest that, you should see ~14V if it's charging ok.
You do need a bit of charge even if you're bump starting, modern alternators use a second set of coils instead of magnets, this is so they can regulate themselves.
Tried bumping yet?
No I'll have to do this tommorow.