Why is my battery flat?

Samtheman1k · 14 Jul 2006 at 13:17

Well, actually, my GF's car, a Fiat Punto (honest!).

It is on a 51 plate, and has been fine since she bought it 6 months ago. Then, without warning the other day, it wouldnt' start. The dash lights would come on, but the engine wouldn't tick over.

We called the AA and they came with a battery and jump started it. All was fine. We drove around for a while, it stopped & started fine. Then we left it overnight, and in the morning, it wouldn't start again. Same problem.

Anyone shed any light as to what it might be?

Gilly · 14 Jul 2006 at 13:17

The battery is broken?

Oakesy2001uk · 14 Jul 2006 at 13:23

Punto's electrics are worse than terrible, could be a lot of things, checking the battery would be a good start though.

Bill101 · 14 Jul 2006 at 13:24

Batteries do not last forever and that one is Itlaian

Take it to a place that sells batteries (not a big chain as they WILL sell you a new expensive one) and they can check it out, you do need the full 12 volts to start a car and while it may be ok just sitting there as soon as it gets a voltage load it may be failing.

Firestar_3x · 14 Jul 2006 at 13:25

Take it to halfords and get them to do a free battery / alternator check, look for how many volts the battery is putting out and that its being charged alright, its should be over 12v when the engine is not on and 13.8 / 14v with the engine running.

Could be some electrical fault with the car thats discharging the battery, if it is good look finding that!