Technical Car would not start this morning

[dropthepuck]

This morning, when I was about to go to work, I was unable to open the car's door using the remote, which I knew was a bad sign. I noticed the clock was about 5 hours slow, and then the car would not start - no turn over, nothing. I called AA, who took the battery cover off (Which had somehow been broken). He noticed that the ignition switch fuse was bent back, and when he tried to remove it, it promptly broke. He said that must have been why the car wouldn't start. He said the battery was completely drained. He replaced the fuse, jump-started the car, and said that should be it.

Now, my question is, would a "knackered" ignition switch fuse cause the battery to drain overnight? I am somewhat concerned since my car only has 3500 miles on it. I bought it this past May from a dealer with 55 miles on it, even though it is a 52 plate. The AA guy did say that a car that had been sitting around for 2 years should have been given a new battery when it was sold to me by the dealer.

I would appreciate any comments.

 

[StiloBoy]

Battery should be good for at least 3 years, it seems likely the fault was caused by this bent bit.

On a slightly different note, there is a clear little window on the big black battery cover, and if you look through it you can see a batter condition thingy, i believe, if its green all is ok, which you'd never see 'cos the car starts so you wouldn't pop the bonnet. But i guess if you have problems and you pop the bonnet and look and see this bit is red then you'll get an indication the battery is flat.

 

[dropthepuck]

I saw that battery window thingy, and couldn't see red, green or anything. The car started this evening but, the dash did all sorts or weird things, and made strange noises. I have a feeling I will be calling AA in the morning. Living in Milton Keynes, I wonder where they will take the car if they do end up towing it in. I hear the dealer in Northampton is not too bad?

 

[dropthepuck]

Re: Car would not start this morning - again

I had to call for AA again this morning, since once again the battery was flat as a pancake. This morning, a different AA guy came, and said that a battery terminal was loose. He tightened it up, jump started the car, and said that would take care of it. Being a bit pessimistic, I told him I would see him in the morning, as I think there is still a bit more to this. I am not able to see the green thingy through the cover window, but I am not sure if I trust that either.

One thing I did find out today was that Milton Keynes has a new Fiat dealer called Soul's of Olney. They have two locations. One in the town of Olney, and the other in Bletchley. I believe they are a Rover dealership that has now taken on Fiat. Anyone had any expeiences with them? They would be a lot more convenient than Northampton.

Thanks.