Dead battery?

[zephyr]

Hey all,

I'm having a problem. Today when I was out and about, came back to Terrano, insert the key, turn it (all lights turned on), then didn't ignite and went to dead. The clock on the dash also gone. I checked (pushed) +/- pins on the battery and realised the clock was back on. But when I tried to start the engine, although all lights were on, it didn't start but instead it went dead again.

I'm not sure if this could be;

- Battery just beog knackered
- Alternatir
- Something else

As I didn't have a jump starter battery in the car, I had to call the rescue service paying for £40.

But if you have a similar problem and any idea of possible reason (e.g. above), please let me know! Would be great to hear in next 30-45 minutes so that I can suggest the service if that's not a simple dead battery.

Thank you!

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

I had a problem with a loose battery terminal. If the clock came back on when you wiggled it try tracing the wires from the battery to see if they are loose or damaged.

 

[zephyr]

I had a problem with a loose battery terminal. If the clock came back on when you wiggled it try tracing the wires from the battery to see if they are loose or damaged.

Thank you. Cables are tightly attached the terminals but the terminals are very dirty.... although I've never had an issue with battery, I'm thinking it might be a combination of battery itself (might be the time to replace) and connection to the terminals.

Not sure how the symptom would be if this was caused by alternator?

 

[jims-terrano]

Okay have you got a multimeter so that you can measure voltage?

Measure across battery when not running and ignition off.

Again measure across battery with engine running, assuming you can get it to start.

Also try turning the ignition key really slowly, the switch on the bottom of the ignition barrel can go faulty and cause similar issues. Turning key slowly often proves this, theres lots of threads about this.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

If it was AA or RAC or similar he probably will have checked the terminals etc. If it was just a recovery and he didn't try to diagnose then remove the clamps and clean them and the terminals as a start. If you can get it started and can get your hands on a cheap multi meter it is very easy to check if the alternator is charging.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

Okay have you got a multimeter so that you can measure voltage?

Measure across battery when not running and ignition off.

Again measure across battery with engine running, assuming you can get it to start.

Also try turning the ignition key really slowly, the switch on the bottom of the ignition barrel can go faulty and cause similar issues. Turning key slowly often proves this, theres lots of threads about this.

Oooh, you sneaked in there jim :lol:lol

 

[zephyr]

Thank you all. So the guy was just a rescue - told me the alternator was working but couldn't tell if it's time to replace it. As the engine started, to charge as well, I've come to Halfords. Haven't got the multimeter in the car at the moment.

Their "choose your battery" display isn't working. Do you know the type of battery? 013?

 

[jims-terrano]

Get the HSB334. If you stand with the battery in front of you and the terminls closest to you the positive is on the left.
Also see the photo of my receipt and see if they'll discount it for you like mine. It's a Yuasa with 5 year warranty.

 

[zephyr]

Also try turning the ignition key really slowly, the switch on the bottom of the ignition barrel can go faulty and cause similar issues. Turning key slowly often proves this, theres lots of threads about this.

Actually it minded me I have had a couple of occasion when I try to start the engine, but it made a metallic sound and didn't start. I wonder if it relates to this issue? (maybe a separate issue?)

Get the HSB334. If you stand with the battery in front of you and the terminls closest to you the positive is on the left.
Also see the photo of my receipt and see if they'll discount it for you like mine. It's a Yuasa with 5 year warranty.

Thank you, I was standing in front of batteries thinking I'd get Yuasa or the Yuasa's black one with lifetime guarantee. But they don't seem to have "334".

 

[jims-terrano]

On a separate issue the metalic sound, think I might know about this. Yours is an automatic isn't it? If so my auto makes a horrible loud screeching noise occasionally when I try to start it. If you turn ignition on and watch the mode switch (sports, normal or ice) behind the steering wheel it illuminates red, when the red light goes out it is safe to start it without the noise.
Jonela in France taught me this trick. Think he had his starter motor replaced which fixed it but if I remember correctly his mechanic told him the true cause is the ring gear that is worn.

Anyway good luck with your search for a battery, I'll be nipping into Halfords tomorrow in the hope that I'll get a battery third time lucky for my 3litre.

 

[zephyr]

Thanks, Jim. Good to know. I will be careful from next time as you are right, I sometimes quickly try to start the engine. I should take it slow. Should the ring gear be replaced if I have this symptom, do you think?

I checked the battery after 40-50 minutes ride today and it indicated 13.07v;

Think it's a bit low but ok for now? I will carry the jump starter battery just in case, and in the mean time to check out new battery. I was thinking the cause earlier - possibly the fact that I was using aircon every time even for a short ride, I've got two dash cam for front and rear, one air ioniser, mobile (iPhone) being charged, bluetooth adaptor (to connect iPhone), daylight led and reverse cam/monitor (when I park) - and a couple of days back I was using aircon heavily as it was hot.....maybe consuming electricity too much for these days.

 

[jims-terrano]

Ive Just lived with the noise and the red face if I forget and everyone looks at me. The ring gear is a major job really so unless it gets significantly worse I'll live with it.
Back on topic, was it 13.07v with engine running or not? If the engine wasn't running I don't think the battery is too bad. To be honest I wouldn't have thought that all the items running that you have listed should cause a problem especially with the engine running.
Don't rule out the worn ignition switch out either, just in case.

Check the voltage first thing in the morning before you start her up too.

 

[zephyr]

This was when the engine wasn't running. (Just after stopping it)

Yes, thank you for your advice. It was raining earlier but I actually may clean her up tomorrow so will surely check it out first before starting the engine.

 

[panelbeater]

battery will always show a higher volt leave to rest overnight and it will be 12.6 ish if it is battery is ok my input has been said the starter module at the back of switch.if i read this yesterday i would have posted earlier.

 

[zephyr]

battery will always show a higher volt leave to rest overnight and it will be 12.6 ish if it is battery is ok my input has been said the starter module at the back of switch.if i read this yesterday i would have posted earlier.

You are right, it was actually 12.76c in the morning after one night.

>my input has been said the starter module at the back of switch
Do you mean this issue could be from the starter module? I had now this a few times and every time I push it the terminals on the battery to make sure it is in the right position, then started the engine - it worked. I was actually suspecting a connection issue around battery terminals...

 

[jims-terrano]

I have seen it on here when people have problems with the actual ignition switch, they turn the key slowly and the engine will start.

The switch is mounted to the bottom of the ignition barrel with one screw. Remove the steering cowls to get to the ignition switch.

This is an example of the switch, you'd have to check of course that it would fit yours.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Mi...281394&hash=item1a27dad492:g:1yEAAOSwbqpTw5cN

 

[panelbeater]

good find that looks the same as mu t2 on a 99 not a lot cheaper than the official dealer though.

 

[rustic]

I have a print out of this chart next to all of my batteries, a different one for leisure batteries, ... (see next post).

Leave the battery for at least an hour, after charging, or after taking power.

 

[rustic]

One for leisure batteries too.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

Ahh, I think I'll print those off too Rustic, I will leave one in the caravan, which reminds me I need to remove the battery for a charge :thumb2