S3

This is probably a stupid question, but here goes....

Car will not start. Get loads of clicking sounds when turning the ignition key. Jump started the car and it runs ok, no warning lights visible. Turn the car off and the same problem. Have a sneaking suspicion the battery has had it, but I'd like to know if the alternator is functioning properly. How to tell for sure? The car has 120,000 km on the clock. Don't think the battery or alternator has been changed.

Terry Adams

Clicking is battery dead.

S3

Terry - Thanx for your quick reply! Guess my suspicion was correct.

swmic

If you have a simple voltmeter, start the car and measure the voltage across the battery terminals. If the alternator is working you should measure around 14 volts, maybe a little less at idle. Do you know how old the battery is? If its four or more years old, time to replace it. Also, allowing the charge to go to zero on a standard battery is not good for them and also may reduce their lifespan.

Shawn

S3

Any suggestions on what battery to get?

Terry Adams

My next one will be the Optima Red Top, 75/35 I think

http://www.optimabatteries.com/produ.../technical.asp

S3

Shawn & Terry - Thanx for your advice. I'll have a look at the Optima range of batteries.

Livefreeandrive

Loose terminals could produce the same problem.............try wiggling them first!

dale_loch

If you go the Optima route, make sure you invest in the Priority Start!
This product is nothing short of fabulous.... It will prevent your new battery from ever getting down to the "dead" condition.

http://www.prioritystart.com/

Carrera Mike

There's a good chance too that the solenoid is not fully moving in the starter which could be the "click" that you're hearing.

S3

Thank you all for your help.

Checked the terminals and they are ok. The car runs normally and produces good current when up and running. The problem is starting the car from the battery. No problem with help form my wifes car and a set of jumper cables. My conclusion is that the battery is dead. I'm sourcing a Optima Red Top. For the time being I'm stuck in the northern part of Norway doing my duty for country and...... (military stuff). So I'll have 3 weeks to find one. If I cannot get the Optima I guess I'll go for the Exide Maxxima 900.