Technical Help - problems starting!

[vickyscot]

Hi folks,

Having intermittent problems starting the Barchetta at the moment. It's not the battery, as it is relatively new and nothing left on etc.

On top of the battery is a plastic box which I believe is to do with the alarm system and is connected to the battery. The lid of the box clips shut and sometimes seems to come loose (I blame roads around where we live which are shocking!), when I clip the plastic lid back on correc the engine then usually starts but sometimes takes a few go's.

Or am I just clutching at straws and might we need a new starter motor?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Vicky

 

[Dave-M]

Hi Vicky,
Not sure what you have on top of your battery, do you have an image of it.
Does it look like ths on KC3 car?

 

[Davefridge]

My battery looks like KC3s. The only plastic bit is the red cover for the positive terminal. When not starting, does the key symbol on the speedo go out? Mine occasionally doesn't register the key and the light stays on. usually taking the key out and turning it round cures this.

 

[StevePD]

Hi, first of all, does the battery turn the engine over and it fails to start or is the problem, when you turn the key the engine does not turn pver? If it does not turn the engine over until you push the battery terminal cover shut you may need to tighten the battery terminals or the earth to the bodywork may need a clean up. If it is not the battery or earth lead problem we need to investigate further.
More info please and we will try to help further.
Steved

 

[vickyscot]

Hi StevePD, the engine doesn't turn over until I reclip the plastic box on top of the battery terminal. I will try to take a photo and post it as it doesn't look like kc3 battery above.

Thanks for all responses,

Vicky

 

[multipete]

Do the wires on the battery posts move the clamp fastened to the battery?

 

[StevePD]

Hi Vickyscot
Sounds like a loose connection on the battery. Is there someone who can check the tightness of your battery terminals and look at the wires to and from the battery for any obvious loose connections or corrosion. Sometimes it can help to takeoff the battery connections and give them a clean, then replace them on the battery,retightening the terminals once cleaned.
Corrosion/rust around the earth wire from the battery where it attaches to the inner wing bodywork has been known to be needing a clean with wire brush and retightening the bolt holding the earth wire to the bodywork (repaint after).
You mention a car alarm, the FIAT alarm is attache to the battery box towards the front end of the engine bay. You mention it being attached to the battery terminal which suggests it is a secondary none FIAT fit so may be a loos connection on that system.
Do you have the red key for the car? If so try using this key for awhile and see if the problem re-occurs if not it is probably the current key you are using. A new key can be cloned from the red key quite cheaply.
Show us a phot of the battery area.
Regards
StevePD