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Intermittent starting problem

Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 5:03 pm
by rsawatson
For the first time ever yesterday, having driven the car for a few miles, I went to start the engine using the key and when I turned it got nothing - absolutely nothing - apart the ignition light and oil light illuminating (these were much more dim than usual). So, I popped the bonnet, had a quick look around, saw nothing glaringly wrong - then took off the battery terminals and replaced them. The car started fine and worked okay for the rest of yesterday.

Then, this morning, I had the same problem - and the same solution seemed to work. Do you think I'd be safe to assume that there is just a bad connection between the battery and one/both of the terminals, or does this signify a more serious underlying problem?

Thanks,

Ryan

Re: Intermittent starting problem

Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 5:14 pm
by MarkyB
What type of battery connectors are they?
The clamp type are a lot better than the cap type.

Have a look at the ends not connected to the battery, remove them and clean the surfaces too.

Re: Intermittent starting problem

Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 8:11 pm
by bmcecosse
Yes - bad connections - or it could be a bad internal connection in the battery. But clean up the terminals first.

Re: Intermittent starting problem

Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 9:29 pm
by rsawatson
Thank you, I think it probably is just a bad connection. I shall remove the wires and give a cleanup.

Cheers,

Ryan