Car won't start?

  1. L-plater Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 37
    #1
    Hello,

    I purchased a citroen saxo 1.1 the other week and suddenly it's being really weird..

    I went to start my car the other morning and it made the starter sound but died, as if the battery was dead.

    I bump started it and it started idling between 1-2 revs..

    Today the same thing happened again, bump started but was idling at 4000 revs.

    Any idea why this is?
  2. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #2
    High idling is where the battery has gone flat,take it for a run & the idle will sort itself out.
  3. L-plater Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 37
    #3
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by stevo67 View Post
    High idling is where the battery has gone flat,take it for a run & the idle will sort itself out.
    I really hope so.. This saxo has 32k miles and causing me so many problems

    If it is the battery, what is draining it?

    My radio was off, lights were off, nothing was on at all..
  4. Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2014 Valley boy me.... Posts: 205 saxo vtr 1.4, xsara was my last car
    #4
    make sure the battery actually holds a decent charge too mind, mine is starting to give up, goes a bit weak overnight, you could make sure stuff like your radio, alarm, anything plugged into the ciggy lighter isnt draining it, i would doubly check the alternator too...just incase.

    from there, suppose a short somewhere could be draining it, but i kinda guess that would be unlikely
  5. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti
    #5
    Get the multimeter out and get checking. See what it's like first thing in the morning and when it's running.
  6. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ThatSheep View Post
    I really hope so.. This saxo has 32k miles and causing me so many problems

    If it is the battery, what is draining it?

    My radio was off, lights were off, nothing was on at all..
    Parasitic current draw maybe,checkout youtube for how to test for it,or could be a failing alternator either not charging or draining the battery.
  7. L-plater Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 37
    #7
    Hi guys,

    I did replace the battery.. Cost me £55 but there we go - car life.

    Everything seems to be OK now but I have noticed my car is acting a little strange?
    When I'm driving, it will pull back and forward randomly, I think they call this a misfire?
  8. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #8
    Is the engine management light on?
  9. L-plater Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 37
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by stevo67 View Post
    Is the engine management light on?
    Nope - all lights show when I turn the key but when I start the car, no lights are on
  10. Saxperience Addict Joined: Feb 2009 Middlesbrough Posts: 10620
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ThatSheep View Post
    Hi guys,

    I did replace the battery.. Cost me £55 but there we go - car life.

    Everything seems to be OK now but I have noticed my car is acting a little strange?
    When I'm driving, it will pull back and forward randomly, I think they call this a misfire?
    Lol, the person who owned my car before me had to buy two batteries (yes my car has two) at £82.50 each!

    Have you got a code reader or know anybody with one?
  11. L-plater Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 37
    #11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Giraffe View Post
    Lol, the person who owned my car before me had to buy two batteries (yes my car has two) at £82.50 each!

    Have you got a code reader or know anybody with one?
    Ouch!!

    I'm taking it to a garage on Wednesday