non starter (citroen c3)

  1. Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2010 Mid Wales Posts: 604 03 vtr
    #1
    My Missus' car has a major issue! I have no idea on this one, so asking you lovely people!

    It won't start, it's almost as if the battery is dead, but it’s not as the headlights work and are not dim also had them on a few minutes, so the battery isn’t the issue I don’t think. The fuel pump also makes a noise so it has power. But here's where it gets weird... whilst trying to narrow down what it was I switched the headlights on, and tried to start it, the headlights then went off completely on their own! Until you switched the key back around to the second click on the turn. Also, when she got in it first time and turned the key, the wipers and the headlights came on, despite not being switched on if you get me..... Mad little car!
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.
    #2
    Flat battery.

    Takes a few volts to power lights/horn/radio.. but takes the full 12v+ to power the starter to turn the engine over.

  3. Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2010 Mid Wales Posts: 604 03 vtr
    #3
    I'll pop a multimetre on it tomorrow, thanks for the advice mate.
  4. Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2012 Sweden, Ytterby Posts: 199 Citroen Saxo VTS -98 Volvo S70 T5 -99
    #4
    As saxova Said. Battery is dead, or could be a loose Connection on the Earth/power Cable that sits on the battery, could also be dirt inbetween.
  5. Saxperience Addict Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11714 A6 Le Mans tuned/A3 TFSI tuned
    #5
    +1, sounds like you have no cold crank amps left in there
  6. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Manu View Post
    +1, sounds like you have no cold crank amps left in there
    As above & this is what puts the most strain on a battery(cold starting)
  7. Newbie Joined: Oct 2012 Birmingham Posts: 2 2001 saxo desire 1.1
    #7
    sure its not your starter motor had a similar issue thats what mine turned out to be
  8. Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2010 Mid Wales Posts: 604 03 vtr
    #8
    ended u to just be a old knackered battery, cheers lads. Although the alternator belt had a tear in it (still worked though) so that's swapped now too, could of been a mess if that had snapped!