Any ideas why my car now won't fire up.

Post by **Ben** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:16 pm

I replaced the plugs, swapped around the coilpacks and fitted the grounding kit (note that the grounding kit clamp is too big from my micra battery - so fashion a collar for the clamp to clamp on).

Stuck a trickle charger onto the battery.

One turn of the key and hey presto - running. So I know that my engine is fine - there was no spluttering as before.

Anyway - I'm don't beleive in good luck - so switched off - tried again - started - waited a while tried again - won't fire up.

I think I've got a shot battery - as it only seems to fire up after I've charged the battery fully. Either way I'm getting the coilpacks and an alternator plus a new battery.

Post by **Stuart** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:44 pm

Go and see Multicell on the Sweet Briar estate for a battery Ben. They have a great range in stock and their prices seem very fair as well.

edited: spelling error.

Post by **Ben** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:07 pm

Just a quick thanks to everyone who has posted advice, I think that is the beauty of a forum - I really don't know how people survive without them!

So the good news I can confirm I do not have a mechanical failure so to me that is a relief. The problem seems to come down to the battery or the alternator.

It was nice to hear her silky roar today - reminded me of how nice the RB26 sounds.

RX7 · Post by **RX7** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 12:03 pm

Very good news this !!!

Halfrauds in all honesty arent too bad for price on batteries.

NikWilson · Post by **NikWilson** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:17 pm

RX7 wrote:Very good news this !!!

Halfrauds in all honesty arent too bad for price on batteries.

And you get a 3 year warranty with no quible!!!!

Dicky plates is suspect as posted before

Nik

cannit · Post by **cannit** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:30 pm

Yep agree that Halfrauds are pretty good when it comes to batteries however i do have a bad feeling about the alternator still so good job you have a spare to try

Probably a good idea to test the alternator once you buy a new battery as they are pretty cheap and easy to fit. Do you own a multi-meter?? This device would answer all the questions in under 5 minutes by doing a little testing!

Post by **Ben** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:53 pm

Going to buy a multimeter from maplins on the way home tonight

.

Interesting thing - the voltmeter on the dash is showing no issue with charging - I've posted on GTR and have been told what I should expect to see on the gauge - the reading is normal - so I'm going with Nik's guess in the first instance - but if it's the alternator i'm pleased to say I'm collecting that tonight.

cannit · Post by **cannit** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:08 pm

Sounds like a plan, Good luck with testing mate, just seems a bit strange for the battery to deteriorate so quickly.. Especially if you use the car regularly?

Paul

Post by **Ben** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:56 pm

Ah - that's the answer then - I use the car once in a blue moon - Once a month for the meet. 2 or 3 times a month driving to Cromer and that's about it.

I barely even use half a tank in a normal month. Done less than 6000 miles in 2 years.

jungle-jim · Post by **jungle-jim** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:07 pm

well in that case!! yes, your battery is fudged mate!!

i didn't realise you used the car so little!!

get the alternator checked for sure ben.

a flat battery will easily overwork an alternator.

you might want to invest in a trickle charge system too.

Bigpower

Any ideas why my car now won't fire up.

Update