A good battery voltage with everything off should be in the high 12s, like 12.7 or 12.8v

When cranking the battery voltage will drop somewhere near 9 or 10 volts.

With the engine running and the alternator working properly, it's common it see high 13's to 14.4v.
You should notice a blip in this engine running reading, a dip then a slight increase if you load up the system by turning on the headlights, full beam.
This shows the alternator responding properly to demand.

The above is only a guide and it won't tell you everything about the condition of the battery or the car's electrical system, but if you've some jump leads and another car/battery you could test if it starts better by jumping your battery with the other before going out and buying one on a hunch.

morning all well i have just put the multimeter on the battery and it reads
battery only 12.08 volts
cranking 8.5 volts
running 14.10 volts

just tried another old batt on jump leads and it starts on key no throttle so looks like a new batt found vitar on ebay are they any good

Think it's been said already, buy a good quality one, like Bosch.

Eurocarparts are usually pretty keen with prices, a Bosch S3 for £51
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/F...cfc1b574e8ce7cfae412990ad032f17d3da93a&000020

triballofts said:

just tried another old batt on jump leads and it starts on key no throttle so looks like a new batt found vitar on ebay are they any good

Click to expand...

Never heard of that as a brand. Do you mean Varta?

thanks the bosch it is then many thanks to everyone for all your help Graham

yea thats the one mate sorry spelt it wrong have now ordered the bosch as Goudrons recommends

just ordered the bosch and theres 10% off today as well with code EXTRA10 so £45.90 and they are only 6 mile up the road from me as well

update just had the new battery delivered and put it on starts off the key no probs at all also clock does not zero so looking good so far thanks to everyone for all your help and advice

last up date been using everyday and its like a different car starts great and i feel it runs alot smoother so defo the battery many thanks