Are these signs of UCH dying? or something else?

[Simon998]

I was doing a lot of driving for work over the last week and one morning the car wouldn't start. It cranked over for about 3 seconds then stopped. I popped the bonnet, gave all the wires a good wiggle and pushed everything in a bit and it started straight up.

Driving along yesterday and it started to rain, I flicked my wipers on and every time the relay activated, the car misfired momentarily and the Stop & Battery light flicked on for a millisecond. It got worse over time and as I was pulling up to the house, I thought I would give my lights a flash (as it seemed like the issue was arising every time I used something that drew power) and the radio, lights and dash lights all went out until I let go of the stalk and then everything fired back up again. I went to open the car this morning and the key fob wouldn't unlock the doors, the battery was flat.

Any ideas what would be the cause of this? The cars had a new battery and alternator in the last 12 months.

 

[Mbeau]

I would measure the alternator voltage when car is running and various electrical items on. Does point towards alternator or battery issue imo.

Bad earth can also cause similar issues. Make sure the connections to battery are good.

 

[JamesBryan]

Check your earth strap on the gearbox in the passenger wheel arch and also the alternator as mentioned.

 

[Simon998]

Will do, I'll get the multimeter out later. I was thinking it sounded like an earth or alternator issue, but with having a new one recently I was hoping it wasn't scrap already.

Cheers folks.

 

[Mbeau]

Will do, I'll get the multimeter out later. I was thinking it sounded like an earth or alternator issue, but with having a new one recently I was hoping it wasn't scrap already.

Cheers folks.

Alternators and Clios. They seem to be a real weak point for some strange reason. Had my fair share of issues with the bloody things!!!

 

[adamlstr]

Alternators and Clios. They seem to be a real weak point for some strange reason. Had my fair share of issues with the bloody things!!!

This, don't rule out a duff / dying battery either, especially now the ambient temperature is cooler than previous weeks.

 

[Darren S]

Alternators and Clios. They seem to be a real weak point for some strange reason. Had my fair share of issues with the bloody things!!!

I made the mistake taking my 182 back to the local dealership when the alternator failed on mine.

Took them three attempts to get it right and then had the cheek to say that they had 'lost money' when I queried the ridiculously high labour charge.

I would rather engulf my car in flame than take it back there again.

 

[Simon998]

Ah don't b e telling me that.

I hope it's the battery as it's got a 5 year warranty (bosch jobbie), I didnt get a chance to get the car tested last night as it was pissing down and my garage is full atm

I'll report back with my findings!

 

[Simon998]

Result:

My mrs had kicked my battery cut-off switch in the passenger footwell. Just turned it enough to disconnect it slightly and still leave the red key in. I really need to remove that.

Next issue - Since this my clock has a gremlin... It's going up an hour at a time by itself and doesn't stop... Anyone seen this before?

 

[clio_ross]

Regarding the clock, I’ve just had a similar issue with mines. It was continually scrolling through the minutes on its own and some of the digits started only partially appearing. Started doing it out of the blue and so replaced the clock/screen with another unit and that has solved the issue.

 

[Simon998]

It's a bit odd. Might be something to do with me fitting a pioneer hu recently. I'll pull it out and have a look to se if i've damaged any wires or whatever