I have a 2005 Skoda Octavia L&K diesel 2 litre estate car. It hasn't been used for the past 2 days and when I came to start it it refused to start- the engine wouldn't turn- like a low battery. We checked the battery and it is showing as 14.4 volts which to my understanding is a bit high for a cold battery. I don't want to buy a new battery if it is something else like a seized starter motor so want to get some ideas before I fork out. It has struggled to start for the last couple of weeks on occasion but it normally starts on the second attempt and I just attributed this to the colder weather..

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

Put the volt meter back on the battery whilst you observe the reading. Get someone else to turn the key. If it drop below say 10.5v then it will be the battery that is goosed / flat ( with a reading of 14.4v I suspect it may be goosed). If the reading does not drop at all then the fault lies elsewhere. Possibly starter motor or immobiliser (but thats just a guess - I would need more info).

As Radder says is 14.4v under load or just a float charge reading across the battery?

Worth checking the reading between a good chunk of metal and the battery positive terminal rather than straight across the battery, let us know your readings?

Could be a poor earth.

Right- just checked it and it went down to 5 volts when I tried turning the ignition- so will a new battery sort it the issue?

 

We used a voltmeter to check by the way. The 14.4 volts was testing with no load on the battery.

was the 14.4 engine off?

 

Dropping to 5v when you try to start the car says the battery is fooked. If the 14.4 was engine off then i'd say the battery has sulphated

That is one totally DUFFED battery!

Change it out and provided your alternator is chucking our a decent charge your troubles will be behind you

Yep- that was essentially battery disconnected- I think the alternator is ok so fingers crossed a new battery and it's sorted- thanks guys!

Right- just checked it and it went down to 5 volts when I tried turning the ignition- so will a new battery sort it the issue?

 

We used a voltmeter to check by the way. The 14.4 volts was testing with no load on the battery.

 

Yes as I suspected the battery is goosed my friend.

 

Google is your friend here, I beleive you need a 096 but the motor factors will tell you the exact one. Get the best battery you can afford and shop around because prices really do vary when it comes to batteries, even same make, same spec etc.

Also remember to check that your alternator is charging once you have fitted your new battery.

Will do- we have an excellent local battery supplier so will see what they've got. How can I check my alternator?

Put voltmeter on battery (When fitted) Observe reading. Lets say 12.8v. Helper starts car. Watch reading. Should not drop below 10.5v ish.The reading then should climb to above initial reading (ie above my made up 12.8v). The reading should not really go above 14v. If it does then the alternator could be overcharging. This if left unchecked for a period of time could cook your new battery, so would need sorting out.

fingers crossed it's just the battery then! Thanks for that- I'm getting a replacement battery today so will check it out..

Lt us know how you get on. I hope it is all good for you.