Dead battery-unlocked car

  1. L-plater Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 32 VTS '01
    #1
    Hey Guys,

    a bit random but I left my car unlocked overnight yesterday. Went to drive it this morning and the battery was dead.

    The only thing I can think that was different was the car was left unlocked for 14hours (nothings missing!)

    Could that drain the battery?

    Alternators working, battery looks okay too. Going to check it further tonight.
  2. Established Member Joined: Sep 2009 St.Neots Posts: 1443 1.1i '51
    #2
    Might have left the door slightly open and the interior light has drained it ?
  3. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: May 2006 Bristol Posts: 16575 JP4urio, 306 DTurbo SportShed
    #3
    A healthy battery shouldnt die on a Saxo even with the interior light left on to be honest. How dead is it, do the lights and headunit work atall? What happens when you turn it over, do you hear a click?

    Id start off by bump starting it, and ideally measuring the voltage on the alternator which should be around 13.5v. If you havent got a multimeter then bump the car and then leave it running, if it cuts out youve almost certainly got a dead alternator or possibly the belt is past it and needs replacing. If it continues to run, let it continue for 20 minutes or so and then turn it off. If it doesnt restart its new battery time. We had a hard winter, it puts a lot of strain on the electrics even on small cars.
  4. L-plater Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 32 VTS '01
    #4
    Tried to start the car this evening and it didn't turn over

    Battery just this morning

    Just wanted to pass this on: if the battery dies unexpected don't drive it unless you know what the fault is.

    Cheers guys