Hi - our 51 plate Fiat Mare Weekend (38k on the clock) refused to start this afternoon after having been used in the morning. There is electrical power but the central locking won't work either, electric windows slow, no warning lights showing just normal ignition lights - if a bit dim - no engagement of the starter and the fuses seem all ok - even checked the under bonnet ones.
I haven't checked the battery yet but it doesn't seem dead - interior lights come on.
Any ideas?

It sounds very much like a dead battery. It's happened to me a couple of times on different cars, and can happen without warning. When the battery ages, the plates can start to disintegrate and can cause a partial short inside the battery itself. This effect of this is that you will still see some voltage across the battery (hence the dim instrument lights) but this will collapse as soon as you try to draw a bigger current from it (i.e. try to start the car).

I'm pretty certain if you chuck a new battery on the problem will go away. Worth a trip to Halfords and a £50 investment, anyway.

Cheers,

Plug

:idea: you could check to see if the voltage collapses if you've got a multi-meter handy - if you haven't, you can pick one up in Wilkinsons for a few quid - I think mine was £5.99. :idea:

Hi, I tried to jump start it to no avail - would the dead battery prevent this? You are probably right - central locking won't work, heater fan up and down etc!

Damn Battery - Good call Plug, Thanks.

Glad to hear you've got it sorted

Cheers,

Plug

Oy, I've had this same problem today when I was leaving work. Came home and went back there with a voltmeter and checked the battery level. At first it said 12v, but then I turned the key to turn the panels on and then it measured 1v!
Thanks mates for this golden intel. Cheers.