ph1 172 - won't start?!?

[Munchkin]

Opened my mk2 ph 1 172 this morning with the key fob - central locking worked fine. Put the key in and turned the ignition and nothing. After about 10 seconds the dash lights slowly came on. The immobiliser light goes out when you turn the key though. I used a remote battery charger (from the garge next door) to start it which it did reluctantly. I've driven to work in it but it won't restart now and it is doing the same as the above. The central locking won't work so I have to lock the doors/boot with the key but the fob will still work to unlock the doors. The light on the fob is coming on. The stereo is also requesting the code to be inputted. Nothing was left on in the car overnight and the only other fault I have noticed is the very occassional 10 minutes of hazard lights flashing (it has done this 3 times in 3 months).

Can anyone help me please - I finish work at 7 tonight so I need to get something sorted asap

Thanks guys

 

[Clart]

battery? Alternator?

 

[Munchkin]

If it was the battery on it's own wouldn't it have gained some charge from the 15min drive to work? If it was the alternator would it start at all?

Sorry my electrics knowledge is pretty poor!!

 

[dubster]

Mine does the same thing every couple of months, I have to drain the battery of life leave it an hr or so then it jump starts first time. I have no idea why, the battery is fine and so is the alternator.

 

[Ally]

Sorry I ain't technically minded but it's either the alternator or battery, but not sure which...

As you've said, if it's the alternator then it wouldn't start at all (as the battery won't be receiving any charge). If it's the battery then it might still hold a tiny bit of charge every time you drive it (as alternator is providing electrical power).

Sorry don't know more - can you help with my problem?!

 

[Munchkin]

Also forgot to mention that the dash dials go a little bit crazy for a few seconds and then calm down

Sorry Ally I'm clueless with electrics!!

 

[Fred@BTM]

i would say a knackered battery (common on clios for some reason!)

 

[stoddie]

id say battery mate....

if the alternator was knackered you wouldnt of been able to drive to work - sounds to me like your battery cant hold any charge. when the engine is running though its holding a small amount to keep the engine ticking over.

take it to an auto electricians or call out the aa - it takes 5 seconds for them to put a tester on your battery to tell if is dead....

hope you get it sorted!

 

[Munchkin]

Cheers guys - I hope it is just the battery as I can't afford a big fix at the moment!

 

[KDF]

Deffinatly sounds like the battery, some cells are probably dead within it which means it cant hold a good enough charge.

I had the same problem on my 172 and replaced the battery, been fine ever since (although I didnt have crazy clocks as you put it lol)

 

[Munchkin]

I've replaced the battery with the closest one that the garage had in stock when I got home at 7:30 and it seems to have cured the problem. I hope it still works in the morning. They will be getting me the exact battery tomorrow and I can then give them this one back.

Thanks for everyone's advice today