Vee won't start :(

[jps]

Ahhhh so upset. Just got in the Vee to take her for a spin and it just won't start.

It had a new battery on last service from SGM in Feb 2016 (a Samson 096 which should have a 3 year warranty), so I am quite surprised. It is very cold out (1c). The clock has been reset, which makes me think it could be the battery and not the alternator? It also struggled to lock via the fob, which again points to the battery?

What do you guys think?

Here's a video....Video

Help much appreciated. Gutted I can't drive her now

 

[Kett]

Do you keep it trickle charged? If not it’s likely to be the battery, which lose power when cold...

OEM Starter motors seem to need replacing between 10-15 years. Which means they are all waiting to fail.

 

[matt.v10]

Get a booster on there or jump it maybe to see if its the battery, accidentally left the trickle off mine a couple of times. Just started with a booster pack and took it for a spin.

Good luck

 

[clarkeeuk99]

Sounds like battery to me too. Especially if the locking is a bit lazy too.

 

[jps]

Really appreciate the quick responses guys, thank you.

Will get it jump started and take it for good blast - thinking will take it to Halfords for a free battery and alternator test (don't worry, they won't be doing any of the work) and at least then I know where I stand with it.

Josh

 

[matt.v10]

THEN GET AN OPTIMATE TRICKLE CHARGER

 

[Lankan]

Certainly looks like the battery....also when you attempt to restart the Vee do switch off the A/C and Radio, and any other devices that may draw current when the ignition is switched on......

Having the battery conditioned when a car is not being driven for long periods of time, particularly during winter months, is a must. An automatic battery conditioner is what you need - have used CTECK products for many years and never had an issue.

 

[Noyzboy]

I would like to be at Halfords when they go looking for the battery!!

 

[GPH]

You haven't said how long it is between start ups so the fact that the battery is 2 years old is only half the story! Things like the Tracker drain power. I bought a trickle charger for mine but have never used it. Better to not leave it more than a month in between starts. Also I like to take it up and down the street a couple of times to free the brakes, suspension, wheels, etc and get fluids flowing rather than just leave it sitting running for 15 minutes to charge the battery.

 

[DaveL485]

Flat battery...mine does the same when the clifford eats the charge up in about a month or so.

CTEK chargers are very good for charging, reconditioning and keeping topped up.

 

[Noyzboy]

I used CTEK chargers all the time

 

[jps]

Hi guys

Quick update....RAC came out before. I always rate them. Their guys also are so professional and knowledgeable.

Managed to start the Vee up after giving it a charge and took her for a blast, missed that sound! Fully tested the battery and it said state of charge 94% but state of health 40% and it said it needs replacing.

The guy recommended an AGM battery. I'd never heard of one before so have done a little reading up. Google says: "The battery stands up well to low temperatures and has a low self-discharge. The leading advantages of AGM are a charge that is up to five times faster than the flooded version, and the ability to deep cycle."

So does sound good for our cars if they are not driven all the time. Has anyone heard of or got one of these? The other strange thing is all the online sites say the Vee takes a 075 battery, but it has a 096 in it and as this was installed by Scott at SGM, I am sure this will be correct as he must have installed 100s. Just surprised everywhere says it needs the 075. 096 is correct yeah?

Cheers

 

[jps]

Ok after looking around, there don't seem to be that many AGM batteries around. I think I will go for this Yuasa 5 Year Guarantee HSB096 Silver 12V Car Battery - can get it on Halfords Trade for 88 quid. 5 year warranty is good peace of mind.

Just want to double check other people also have the 096 battery?

Will be buying a trickle charger in the next few days too

Josh

 

[GPH]

it's a nightmare deciding. I had to replace a battery that was only 6 months old bought by a previous owner but that was only about 62ah and wasn't powerful enough. I went for a Yuasa 100 elite 70ah 680 amps . been perfect for 4 years. has been left 6 weeks between start ups. So the one you link to is plenty powerful enough.

 

[jps]

it's a nightmare deciding. I had to replace a battery that was only 6 months old bought by a previous owner but that was only about 62ah and wasn't powerful enough. I went for a Yuasa 100 elite 70ah 680 amps . been perfect for 4 years. has been left 6 weeks between start ups. So the one you link to is plenty powerful enough.

Graeme - a massive help as always - thank you, great to know. Will be getting and fitting this battery in the next few days [cmilie=iconcheers.gif]