FTO AUSTRALIA

I tried starting the car up this morning and nothing happened. I pressed the alarm to unlock it but it just kept sounding non stop. I had to manually unlock the door through the key, once the door is open the alarm stopped calling. I thought his was weird, but continued to start the car. Once i stick the key in the ignition, all the dash lights come up but very dim and when i turned the ignition, nothing happened (no sounds like usually), there was no showing in the voltmeter or climate control like i usually get either.Tried the headlights and they didn't work etc. Closed the doors and the alarm goes off again.

Prior to this is was driving and starting alright. But lately when i started it cold in the mornings, it would sound like it was choking at ignition (like it would start, but sound like would die, then pick up again), and the display on the voltmeter would move around like crazy.

I'm, thinking this is much more than a battery issue.. alternator or starter motor?

Could you guys give me some ideas of whats happening please

Thanks in advance guys

Wont start = battery, starter, fuel, spark
lights not working etc = battery
Why is battery flat = alternator or you left something on over night
Volt meter jumping round like crazy = alternator or gauge

ADVICE : Start with basics and go from there

Take battery to a battery place or mechanic most will check your battery for free
IF:
battery is fine = install, start car, check battery voltage with multimeter.

battery not good = Replace battery, start car and check voltage with multimeter.

IF:
Battery is fine and car still wont start = Starter motor needs replacing, coud be fuel or spark problem

IF:
Battery charging below 13volts = Alternator is stuff, new one or recondition

Battery charging above 13volts = Alternator fine..... for now

IF:
Battery and Alternator is fine but incar volt meter is changing dramatically = Then in car volt meter maybe faulty

IF:
All these check are fine = It may be your stepper motor,

I8A4RE wrote:Wont start = battery, starter, fuel, spark
lights not working etc = battery
Why is battery flat = alternator or you left something on over night
Volt meter jumping round like crazy = alternator or gauge

ADVICE : Start with basics and go from there

Take battery to a battery place or mechanic most will check your battery for free
IF:
battery is fine = install, start car, check battery voltage with multimeter.

battery not good = Replace battery, start car and check voltage with multimeter.

IF:
Battery is fine and car still wont start = Starter motor needs replacing, coud be fuel or spark problem

IF:
Battery charging below 13volts = Alternator is stuff, new one or recondition

Battery charging above 13volts = Alternator fine..... for now

IF:
Battery and Alternator is fine but incar volt meter is changing dramatically = Then in car volt meter maybe faulty

IF:
All these check are fine = It may be your stepper motor,

AS ABOVE My money on just new battery needed

agreed but just thought id give him a good start in case its not

thanks guys, replaced the battery today and everything seems to be back to normal. Just wondering if it was the battery, how come the battery warning never came on?

I think that battery light comes on when if it senses that the alternator is not charging. Not when the battery is stuffed

Yeah alternator light (designed to indicate electrical fault) only appears to come on for over voltage 17-18 and above which is usually indicative of a regulator or rectifier problem in the alternator. i dont think it comes on at a lower voltage although i have not tested this.

so your saying that the light on the dash with battery on it means the alternator is F***ed? cos mine is on when i put the key in but when i start the engine it turns off? i just thought my battery was stuffed cos its the original one i swear..

Yes batt light only comes on if alternator is stuffed not whne batt is
You have to do load test to check battery

There are quite a few lights that come on when you turn the keys on. As long as they go off again, youre OK. Its only if they stay on that there is a problem.

Valandis91 wrote: so your saying that the light on the dash with battery on it means the alternator is F***ed? cos mine is on when i put the key in but when i start the engine it turns off? i just thought my battery was stuffed cos its the original one i swear..

Prietty much all the lights come on when you start it. But then after the ECU does it's systems checks they all should turn off.
If your batt light stays on then it's more than likely in your charging circut.

DaveO

yeah I know how they turn on but my battery light and the oil one stay on until I start the engine...

Valandis91 wrote:yeah I know how they turn on but my battery light and the oil one stay on until I start the engine...

FFS, did you even read what daveo wrote read it again. the first sentence