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[Parthiban]

My battery's been sounding like its been a little weak recently (it's almost 5 years old), and got in it today after not having used the car for 3 weeks (been away) and surprise surprise, it won't start!

I'm guessing I just need a new Battery, but the weird thing, is that when trying to start it, it makes this really loud and weird ticking sound.

Is that normal? Is it just the immobiliser or something making noise purely because its not getting enough power?

[Kazi]

Think its the starter motor trying to spin....

[Parthiban]

Cheers nothing to worry about then :)

Now I think I better just replace it, I've read on here that I should get the Bosch AsiaSilver one - will I just be able to pick one up in Halfords or is it more specialist than that?

And will they know which one I need for an IS200?

[star a]

Kazi is right, the clicking is the solonoid on the starting motor, and the noise is normal with a flat Battery

Yes the should know, in case they don't though, you need a '005L'

this refers to the size and position of the terminals and is a standard amongst Battery manufacturers.

[Kazi]

Shouldnt struggle to get a Battery. No idea what mine is, its a non branded Halfords Battery I believe. Been good so far! Think the Bosch batteries are meant to be very good, but not cheap.

[Bulldog]

Its your Battery m8 mine did the sam ethe other night :D

Snme noises and everything you have described

[P38Aaron]

Before you go out and buy a new Battery, check the fluid levels in it and give it a good charge over night, that can sort batterys out if the levels are low.

[Parthiban]

Before you go out and buy a new battery, check the fluid levels in it and give it a good charge over night, that can sort batterys out if the levels are low.

Thanks, yeah haven't bought a new one yet, because I jumped it an hour ago, and started straight away, no problem at all :)

I'm gonna check it again tomorrow, if it starts ok, may just leave it for now, might have just gone flat due to not being used for a few weeks.

[Parthiban]

Quick update:

After that last post, thought I'd go have a look at it, and sadly its started going flat again - really struggled to start (and wouldn't close the mirrors again when locking the car - so have switched that off for now)

As the manual said, checked the window on the side, and the little indicator on the top of the Battery, and neither seem to be showing anything at all. So opened the cells and had a look in, levels look ok, so I'm guessing I do just need a new Battery now? Or is there anything else I should do?

Thanks again for all the replies.

[Halo]

Quick update:

After that last post, thought I'd go have a look at it, and sadly its started going flat again - really struggled to start (and wouldn't close the mirrors again when locking the car - so have switched that off for now)

As the manual said, checked the window on the side, and the little indicator on the top of the battery, and neither seem to be showing anything at all. So opened the cells and had a look in, levels look ok, so I'm guessing I do just need a new battery now? Or is there anything else I should do?

Thanks again for all the replies.

If your car is a manual there is one other thing to try. Open up the Battery so u can see the fluid levels. Get someone to get into the car. Put the car in gear, hand brake on, foot on the foot brake, keep your foot off the clutch and try to start the car. As the car is in gear and the starter is trying to turn the engine it will put a lot of strain on the Battery for a few seconds. If u see any bubbling coming from the Battery it is going to need replaced. I know its a bit of a drastic way to check a Battery but it is easy way to do it if u dont have a tester. Failing that am sure if u take it to a garage they will happily check your Battery for u.

please note to be care full if u try first method not to get run over, only turn ignition key for a couple of seconds.

If your car is an Auto u will need to get Battery tested

[Parthiban]

Finally got this sorted out yesterday, following a link I found on here I popped down to my local Allparts and picked up a Bosch AsiaSilver Battery - gave me an extra discount I didn't even ask for so only cost £65 (no idea how much batteries cost but was expecting to pay more)

Fitted it and all is well now, actually starts much easier than it used to, so my old Battery has obviously been on the way out for a while.........

Cheers for all the advice guys :)

[Unregistered_User]

Glad to hear it's sorted mate. So the car starts better now? Does it turn over very briefly or something?

Jamie

[Parthiban]

So the car starts better now? Does it turn over very briefly or something?

Yep turnover has been a bit sluggish over last few months, now starts straightaway and just generally sounds much healthier when starting :)

[Rikos]

Glad you managed to get it all sorted always nice to hear a problem fixed easily :D