So, my Octy has cried enough at something and has refused to start this evening.

It was bump started and driven enthusiastically for 45 minutes and parked up. It then refused to start again.

Relay clicks, dash lights all die a death when I turn the key and not much else happens. My stereo appears to have forgotten it's settings, since it lit up the wrong colour for a moment. It's aftermarket.

AA are on the way. What do you predict?

Tl:dr, battery flat. Why do you think?

Battery, but could be the alternator not charging it.

So, my Octy has cried enough at something and has refused to start this evening.

It was bump started and driven enthusiastically for 45 minutes and parked up. It then refused to start again.

Relay clicks, dash lights all die a death when I turn the key and not much else happens. My stereo appears to have forgotten it's settings, since it lit up the wrong colour for a moment. It's aftermarket.

AA are on the way. What do you predict?

Tl:dr, battery flat. Why do you think?

Sounds like a battery

Battery, but could be the alternator not charging it.

 This

Results are in.

Battery was putting out 10.47 volts. After charging on the alternator it was 10.58.

Ruined.

New battery it is, or was.

Old one was only ever supplying 280cca. Diabolical.

Results are in.

Battery was putting out 10.47 volts. After charging on the alternator it was 10.58.

Ruined.

New battery it is, or was.

Old one was only ever supplying 280cca. Diabolical.

Suppose it could of been a lot worse

How much do the AA charge these days for batteries at the roadside / driveway?

Roughly the same as ECP before any discounts you can get.


A bit cheaper than Halfords.

The highest CCA Battery that the last RAC Operative i met had available in the van was £150 to a member.

 

A better battery with a higher CCA was £75 Trade Price, & the one the same as he had, was £60.

I had a battery fitted in the summer by the AA when it died after 5 years.  It was £106 all in and he even used a clever gadget to fool the ECU into thinking that a battery was connected so I didn't lose all my trip data.

 

When we got home I checked on ECP and the same battery was £106.80.  Considering the service, 5yr guarantee and free fitting I thought this was very competitive.

A Bosch S5 096 by chance ?

A Bosch S5 096 by chance ?

I've got 3 lying around in the garage :P

Just out of curiosity, what was the charging volts from the alternator under load.

A Bosch S5 096 by chance ?

 

I can't remember off the top of my head but it was the convenience that surprised me.  Whilst the family sat in the Premier Inn having their breakfast, the very nice man from the AA sorted it all out and we were on our way with no disruption to our day.  I'd have happily paid a premium for the service.

Just out of curiosity, what was the charging volts from the alternator under load.

About 14.2 to 14.3

It was 10.5 without my engine on. That couldn't even turn the engine over.

In the olden days when I sold car parts for a living, we used to get this all the time from recovery guys. Telling people the battery was gone when it was actually the alternator. Cheers for the answer.

About 14.2 to 14.3

It was 10.5 without my engine on. That couldn't even turn the engine over.

 

you need to check the amps as well as the volts, you can have 14 + volts but if amps are low the altonator isn't keeping up.