Topic

Yesterday my engine would turn over no problem. Today I turn the key and it sounds like it has a flat battery before the starter bursts into life and it all starts. I am thinking that it is likely to be a bad connection but why ok one day and not the next? Am I thinking in the right direction?

Batteries are temperature sensitive: extreme cold slows the electrolytic reaction, thus affecting output. The biggest load is cold cranking: could be a sign that the battery is on the way out: over time sulphates build up in the electrolyte and start to short the plates out.

Of course, always a good idea to chech terminals are tight and clean and the body earth similar.

Thanks, the battery is only 6 months old and I use the car almost every day. I think it is probably connections.

That's is exactly how batteries go these days . I think the phrase that is used is ' Falling off a cliff ' . Happens all the time due to battery technology .

Had same problem with my ford escort...started first time and when I left work..click ..click..then it started...got home cleaned battery terminals reconnected...same goes for the starter..terminals need to be clean and tight...not finger tight....but tight..never had a problem after that.

Hi. Occasionally mind does this if it's been unused for a while. Especially in damp weather. I found that I was the wire connection to the starter motor. Easy to reach, give it a wiggle and job done.

Martinm760 wrote: wrote:

Hi. Occasionally mind does this if it's been unused for a while. Especially in damp weather. I found that I was the wire connection to the starter motor. Easy to reach, give it a wiggle and job done.

Replace the crimp terminal, will give years of wiggle free motoring.

nothing like a good wiggle

It is always the small things that cause the most trouble!!.....

Tried a little wiggle..... and got funny looks from the neighbours. So I thought I would try wiggling the wire. No it wasn't going to have any of it so I had to lever it off, clean up the connector and now it will start. Hopefully it will be ok for a while!

I'd also check the earth lead between the chassis and battery.
First the clamp is made of soft brass plated, it stretches and doesn't make good contact. Secondly the connection between the lead and body is made using a rusty 8mm bolt - not a good combination. Clean it replace the lead with a decent clamp type -as fitted to a Mini fits.