For the first time in years, my car didn't start. Well it started, but cut itself out. It was the first freezing night, probably about -2 ℃. The clock on the dashboard was blurred/smudged looking. The next day when it thawed out it started fine. Although initially the PAS was strange, the light was on, but then it returned to normal. The airbag light also came on.

Was this just a battery blip? In which case why did it start fine?

Or was it something to do with the security system of which I understand nothing. Twice, hands full, I've locked car before shutting the doors (so I knock it shut with knee). But does this do something strange? The first time, the radio worked but had no volume. This time was when it wouldn't start.

I've had a diagnostic done since it didn't start, and it just said possibly battery problem. Although, the battery had been disengaged by breakdown bloke (who didn't fix it, apparently the clock failing was triggering the immobiliser).

It has been fine since, bar another cold day and almost not starting. I usually only do 10 mile runs, but doing a big one this week to give the battery a good charge. I don't particularly want to take the battery out and bring inside the house to charge, because I haven't got the radio code (next question).

But could this whole problem just be the battery? Or something else?

Sounds like battery is getting old as its the cold weather that will show up any weaknesses. Can recommend varta E44 as it is same as Bosch S5 but slightly cheaper.

Don't be afraid of removing you battery as the radio code is store in the car ECU so it does not require you to enter a code. But be warned you will lose you current miles travelled from last reset if that is important thing to you and you get lots of warning lights on reconnection but these will disappear once you start driving.

Edited 4 December, 20169 yr by wiilydog

I bought a battery last year for something else and let it go flat. I've been recharging it, but is that probably going to be dodgy as well?

Forgot to say thanks!

It worth checking the battery voltage after a run when the engine is off and first thing in the morning the night after to see if you are experiencing any voltage drop, anything below 12.4v may suggest that the battery is failing to store its charge and my catch you out on a very cold day.

Just had a new battery fitted and am still sat waiting for the reset. Seems to be taking a long time....

Just driven home without PAS. That's what took so long.

Had hoped it would sort itself but it hasn't. Have to take it back tomorrow.

In the end...... The computer in the car really wasn't happy about the battery dieing, which was the actual problem. I am so glad I coughed up to get the garage to replace the battery, as the computer needing resetting about four times.

Is fine now, and car now has a name. 'Kryton'.