Dan Marsh Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I have just come up to 1000mile in my Sigma and its been great! However, the car has been sat in the garage for 4/5 weeks and I want to give it a once over before heading out again (1st service type stuff). I've put her up on axle stands and wanted to start the engine to get the oil flowing round before checking the oil. BUT, when I turn the key the fuel pump primes and then there is a loud chattering noise rather than the starter motor turning over. Do I simple have a flat battery? (Sorry if it sounds like a silly question, but I'm still new at this 😬) It did struggle on starting 4/5 weeks ago, so that is my first thought. However, I want to see if the POBC thinks its an obvious broken this/that before I go and get a new battery and/or conditioner (and jump leads as I don't have any yet either). A month just didn't seem long for a 6 month old battery to die... Thanks DM My Sigma 125 SV build photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Long Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I think staccato sound is a flat battery ... this happened to me. I am new at this and I feel keeping the battery in the very best condition is vital Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggerman Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Dan, Its a flat battery. They do go flat if the car is not run for a period as things like the imobiliser are a constant drain. Suggest you get a good charger/conditioner to recharge/keep it charged, rather than using jump leads which can cause their own problems. peterC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racing Snake Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Optimate or Accumate is required Mad Hatter The Dura Mentalist 😬 Carl @ Penn 7's Caution - May Contain Nuts ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domus Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 I have an Airflow battery conditioner, works very well www.peters7.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Deslandes Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 If you don't already have one, fit a cigar lighter socket, wired directly to the battery via a 15 Amp fuse. That way you can easily plug in a battery conditioner without having to remove the bonnet every time. You can get decent ones with a waterproof cap from proper motor electrical factors that look very nice when mounted at the left hand end of the dash. The Halfrauds ones are carp and rust very quickly. Edited to say that the Optimate conditioners, and probably others as well, come with a plug to go into the above mentioned socket. Edited by - Paul Deslandes on 11 Nov 2010 09:21:47 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Marsh Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Thanks all! I'll go shopping this evening. DM My Sigma 125 SV build photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jchasey Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 It may not be a flat battery but simply a poor connection to the battery terminals. I discovered this when trying to jumpstart my flat battery. Connection is strong enough to power fuel pump, lights etc, but when the starter motor is started up you just get a bunch of clicks. Worth bearing in mind if it turns out the battery is found to be ok! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Not just the connection at the battery terminals, but also check the red cable on to the solenoid, and the various earth connections on the engine and chassis. Would expect the battery to be flat after a month with the immobiliser connected though. A conditioner is the way forward, especially connected to 12V power socket that is permanently live, so you don't need to take the bonnet off when you return from a blat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_pank Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Yes, it could be a connection, but given that the engine hasn't turned for 4/5 weeks, it's most likely to be flat due to drain from the immobilizer. I would suggest fitting an FIA cutout switch. I made a battery last 8 years that way with plenty of months off. When you leave the car, immobilize it, then take out the red key then there's no drain at all. (Yes the battery will eventually flatten of its own accord, but it'll take a LOT longer) back here because I want to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exmog Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Hi Dan Obvious really - disconnect the battery when car not in use Costs zilch No battery connected = imobilised car 😬 😬 ps you goin to the Taffia Xmas meal? Bon Edited by - Exmog on 11 Nov 2010 13:39:33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Marsh Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Well in the short term I'm getting a CTEK xs3600. Following that it'll be the FIA switch or 12v socket connected to the battery under the dash. As for the Taffia Xmas get together, I've asked Alan for the details as I don't seem to have them. Still need to get to know everyone having managed to only get to one monthly meet in the last 6! DM My Sigma 125 SV build photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exmog Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Dan My car has the battery master switch which makes removing the Battery terminals unecessary. Hope you cure the problem My car was the white Sigma at the 1 TAFFIA meet you came too Bon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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