Hello,

GP started this morning, while it was moved a few yards, but now won't re-start. Instruments moving wildly, and continuous clicking of a relay, but then display blanks, and everything goes out when moving the key to turn the engine.

Battery voltage is 12.3 V.

Tried to jump start. Glow plug indicator lights, then goes out, and the fuel pump runs, but everything drops-out when attempting to turn the engine - it never gets as far as the starter turning. Curiously, no effect on the other car - this doesn't load the other battery. Tried a second set of jump leads - no difference.

Fuse box is dry/looks all OK, battery leads seem tight/clean.

I realise now I didn't connect the negative jump lead to the engine block, or measured battery voltage when the key is turned and everything goes pear-shaped... The battery does appear to be struggling, though - it would barely raise the windows, even though the starter hasn't turned, after trying to jump-start.

My instinct would be either battery, or bad ground connection. Just the fact that it won't jump-start makes me wonder if there is something else I'm overlooking, and I'm reluctant to plunk-down cash on a new battery, if there is another problem.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks/paul

paulf2012 said:

I realise now I didn't connect the negative jump lead to the engine block,

Click to expand...

Do that first before anything else.

Have you checked the level of the water in the battery, you can still have a nice +12volts but not actually have anywhere near enough power to start the car

Thanks, AndyRkett,

Tried the negative jump lead on the block - still wouldn't crank when jump-starting. Electrolyte levels seemed OK.

Borrowed a battery, and it started straightaway. Puzzled why it wouldn't jump-start, though...

Off to get a new battery now...

Thanks for the suggestions/paul