Starting Problem

[Easy_now]

went to the shops the other day and turnt my car off but when I tried to start it again it just made a clicking sound and wouldn't start. so had to get some one out to start it with a jump pack which they said the alternator was ok and putting a good charge back so said my Battery was knackered. I had some one else look at it yesterday and they said my alternator was knackered saying its only putting out 12volts. so im a little confused

[IHgs300]

The alternator should be putting out around 14.4v iirc.

[scudney]

how old is the Battery,anything older than 5/6 years and it's on it's way out.

[Guest bigbullhead]

I have had this problem see my post this weather is like winter time when talking about batteries etc they are under load nearly all the time so a bad Battery will be found out like mine cooling fan and under performing air con so I would hold off on the alternator and go for a good new Battery I have never bought a Battery in 19 years on various cars and I keep them from new for 7 years and this lexus of mine had high mileage and was told it was newish so I did not think to check it until mine went flat twice

Hope this helps

[Easy_now]

Thanks for the advise. Just a little confused as the recovery bloke said the batter was nakered. Yet a garage I took it to a day later seem yo think its the alternator. Im going to have to get them both checked again

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Mate come on, what's more expensive, you popping down to Halfords and getting a new Battery for £80 or a garage having to replace you alternator and you have to pay labour charge?

I think I know why the garage says you need a new alternator. Business for them isn't it. Oh and the recovery bloke said it was the Battery and i would be more inclined to believe him as he has no other agenda such as making money from you. Sounds just like you got a flat Battery and batteries start to die after about 5 years. Pop a new Battery on and then if your car does die again then look at the alternator.

[Easy_now]

Good point mate. Whent and bought a new batter and is running fine again. So will just see if it does start to die

[scudney]

if it dies again in the next few days then have a look at the alternator,hopefully was just your old Battery on it's way out.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

I bet it was just your old Battery dying :)

[Caspa]

What other signs would a Battery on its way out give?

My aircon isn't working great so planning to get it regassed but just want to make sure its not something else like the Battery.

[scudney]

hi your air con not working great wouldn't have anything to do with your Battery,have it tested or get a Battery tester.A Battery on it's way out may not necessarily give you any warning signs(struggles to turn engine over).As a rule I would consider a Battery over 5/6 years old past its best,hope this helps.

[Caspa]

Thanks man.

[Guest bigbullhead]

If your air con(climate) is not working properly there will be more load on the Battery etc has its working harder to cool it down where as a good serviced climate control will need less energy to get you to the desired temperature

[Caspa]

Got it booked in for a regass on Tuesday.