Flat battery

[JH32]

I parked my car in the garage last night, and just then I tried starting it.

The stereo comes on, the fuel pump primes, all the dash lights come on ... but it hasn't got enough battery charge to kick the engine over :confused:

I didn't leave my lights on overnight, or the interior light or anything.

Do I need a new battery?

Could it be the alternator?

This has happened a few times now, and I just keep recharging the battery.

[nismoman18]

can u jump start it ? if u get it started leave it runnin for a while then turn off then turn back on and if it is still strugling then the alternator may be stuffed. my dad had the same problem it was the alternator so yeah look to fork out sum money!

[Bleach1]

How old is your battery? An old battery can sometimes be charged but wont hold charge. Do you have a multimeter? If so plate it across the battery terminals while the car is running. You want a reading of around 13 to 13.9 volts. That is the alternator charging. Bellow that and its the alternator.

[blind_elk]

In addition to what Bleach1 suggested, you should also try increasing the revs while checking the battery voltage. It should stay at roughly the same voltage. If it increases the more you rev the engine, then the regulator is stuffed. That allows the battery to overcharge, and it eventually gets to the point where it can't hold the charge.

You will most likely need a new battery, and you may need a new alternator.

[StockNissan]

Also some batteries have small plugs which you can unscrew and you have to top each compartment with distilled water. If your battery is running low on water then it wont hold the charge.

Some batteries are maintenance free, so there is nothing you can

do about it. Also check your brake pedal switch.

[JH32]

Cheers for the replies guys ... I haven't checked the forums for a while so I didn't see them earlier.

I haven't done anything with the car yet as I've been working like a madman but I will look into all the things you suggested

Cheers dudes

[payaya]

well easy way to determine if your alternator is stuffed get the car started, remove the earth off the battery if the car remains idling then alternator is fine.

[akeenan]

can u jump start it ? if u get it started leave it runnin for a while then turn off then turn back on and if it is still strugling then the alternator may be stuffed.

it would be better taking the car for an actual drive rather it sit idling.

[Guest robertr]

First thing they teach new auto sparkies is:

Best way to stuff the diodes on the alternator is to run the car without the battery connected. U will get away wif it sumtimes but ...