Car has been OK apart from usual 1.4 16v EMS light fault and dead aircon & power steering going off intermittently.

This morning would not start, nothing on ignition key but all lights including headlights OK. Second attempt similar but clicking noise behind dash (this stays on when key is removed). Third attempt as second but now no lights at all only radio. Subsequently radio also failed (bad news don't lnow code!).

Tried charging battery but meter went to 5amps then to zero and doesn't budge. Will get battery tested as main suspect but interested in members' input.

Edit: - OK, how do I get the battery out?!

Edited 2 April, 201214 yr by Mardler

I would say battery is gone.

To remove the battery, there is a bolt that needs undoing in front of the battery at it's base, it holds the battery clamp plate in position. You may have to remove some of the plastic battery cover to see the bolt.

DB.

Don't know if yours is similar ,but on mine -

1) unclip top cover.

2) Undo negative lead from battery, followed by +ve

3) pull sleeve of barrety

4) undo bolt on bottom rail

5) lift battery out .

IHMO i'd suggest that the HR inside the battery has now developed into a full blown open circuit. In other words ,the battery is deceased . Again on mine, you don't need the radio code, it's stored in the ECU.

Connect up a good battery and ECU programmes radio with code (if it's still factory fit radio).

Found battery retaining bolt/clip, replaced battery and all's well. Now need to watch for something draining the battery but it was bought in 2005 so probably just failed - on a drop test it only gave 30amps.

Thanks for your prompt replies, guys.

Definitely the battery that has went. Mine had just done the same. Had to put the booster pack on everytime i wanted to start the car, and the power steering choose if wanted to be on or not lol. New and better battery, feels like new again