dead battery

1. Saxo-noob Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 gloucestershire Posts: 16 1999 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1 5dr

   #1 19th April 2011, 21:38

   My car has been having trouble starting since saturday and yesterday I had to bump start it.
   
   I have narrowed it down to the battery charge, but not sure whether it's in need of a new one or something is draining the battery.
   
   The battery charge is lasting less than 24 hours, we bumped started it yesterday and it was fine 6 hours later but by this morning, we were back to square one.
   
   The only thing I have changed is the stereo as the car didn't have one when I got it. I got the fitter to check the wiring and nothing seems to be missing.
   
   Is there a tool I can buy which will tell me the health of the battery? I don't want to buy another battery for that to be drained as well.
2. Quick Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Mar 2003 United Kingdom (England) Posts: 7064

   #2 19th April 2011, 21:45

   Unplug battery overnight. If there is a drain, it should be fine after re-conecting, if not its the battery.
3. VTHall Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2010 Telford Posts: 4501 Black corsa c SXI.

   #3 19th April 2011, 21:49

   go to halfords get a free battery test
4. Saxo-noob Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 gloucestershire Posts: 16 1999 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1 5dr

   #4 19th April 2011, 22:17

   Just did a quick check and kwik fit offer this service, which is closer to me so will go to them.
   
   I didn't know anyone offered a free test like this, so thanks.
5. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #5 20th April 2011, 07:41

   Wth the car running your alternator should be pushing out 14v as a heads up mate.
   
   
   Steve.
6. Saxo-noob Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 gloucestershire Posts: 16 1999 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1 5dr

   #6 20th April 2011, 18:15

   Ok new battery didn't solve the issue... anyone able to give advice on this please?
   
   Basically when we try to start car up, it splutters and nothing happens. We can see under the bonnet that it's trying to start but it's not ticking over.
   
   My friends think it's the alternator but my dad says it's either the fuel or the starter motor. I am stuck in between 2 rocks as I have very little cash at the moment so taking to a garage is a last resort.
   
   What do you guys think? I have no idea about cars so rely on others to tell me what's wrong.
7. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #7 20th April 2011, 19:23

   When was it last serviced? you may have a blocked fuel filter.
   
   Steve.
8. Saxo-noob Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 gloucestershire Posts: 16 1999 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1 5dr

   #8 20th April 2011, 20:55

   I put some redex in saturday incase but not doesn't look like it made a difference really.
   
   no idea on last service as just bought car a few weeks ago, might as well go get it serviced.
9. LewisGoody Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 Ipswich Posts: 5 Citroen Saxo x 1998

   #9 4th June 2011, 00:40

   If its below 14v it may be the alternator not working correctly so you might just have to change that
10. danny-vts Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Dec 2010 Chesterfield/Nottingham Posts: 7147 dead vts. twisted 106 gti. '03' vtrrrr

    #10 4th June 2011, 14:46

    could be your starter motor, mine has just packed up totally earlier today, but last few days it sounded like it was a flat battery, got it checked today battery and alternator are spot on. new starter for me
11. lilbenchy9192 Frequent Poster Joined: Jul 2010 Swindon Posts: 943 Renault clio dynamique tomtom 1.2

    #11 6th June 2011, 12:03

    red-ex doesnt tend to do much in removing blockages in the fuel lines, just removes impurities and stuff, if uve got a nasty clog in the filter i might not pass through
12. lilbenchy9192 Frequent Poster Joined: Jul 2010 Swindon Posts: 943 Renault clio dynamique tomtom 1.2

    #12 6th June 2011, 12:17

    sorry only just noticed the date