Old banger with issues starting!

friddela

friddela

friddela

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Joined
10 Feb 2006
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882
Location
Nottingham
I'm hoping for some expertise here!

I have a 04 plate Civic and the battery is completely dead. I've jump started it and it turns over fine... Admittedly it was only ran for a few minutes. So I switched it off and again, won't fire up.

Prior to the starting issues, on a few occasions, I would be driving along the dual carriageway and would get a sudden loss in power but would drive on just fine. So the loss in power was for just a second.

What is the likely cause?

I'm about to purchase a new battery but don't want to if that's not the cause.
 
I'd suggest that if it won't start on its own but will jump start then the battery is shot. The next question is why is the battery shot? Alternator not charging or has it just been sat for a long time with an alarm or immobiliser active?
Get the battery changed and then check the dash for a battery symbol once the car is running. If it stays illuminated after starting then the alternator is also shot.
 
Sounds like a plan! Thanks.

I'm letting it run for a bit to see if it charges it at all and starts. There's no battery light when I jump start it however.

EDIT: So after an hour of running, It's gained enough charge to turn off and then on again. I presume this means the alternator is working?

I know my battery will still be shot so will be replacing tomorrow!
 
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Charge it from the mains, it will make a huge difference and the battery may well be OK afterwards. An alternator is really for keeping a battery topped up, not for charging one.
 
Sounds like a alternator fault, the brushes have probably worn down.

Get a new battery as you've probably killed a few cells with the total discharge
 
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