Battery - To buy or not to buy??????

Question

Hi,

My car (Renault Espace Helios 1993) had a couple of dodgy starts recently, which I foolishly ignored, but now she won't start at all.

I'm not sure if it is the battery as all lights, wipers, ect. are still functioning.

Can anyone tell me if it is likely that lights, windscreen wipers, heater ect. would still work if the battery was too low to power the engine?

I don't really want to buy a new battery if this isn't the problem.

Any help gratefully received and appreciated!

To all who took the time to reply to my question,

Thanks for your help and advice. It's much appreciated.

First thing tomorrow I will try your suggestions.

I guess I'm going to have to stock up with some tools and manuals!

Once again, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Answer 1

need to have the alternator tested. You may or may not need to replace the battery, but you definitely want to make sure the alternator is not what is killing it or you will just kill the new battery as well. If the alternator is bad the vehicle will run off of battery power until the battery dies. After that the battery will naturally recharge, but possibly not to the point that it will turn the engine over.

Answer 2

When you say it won't start all, do you mean that the starter does not "turn" over at all? Or does the starter turn, but the engine won't crank? A weak battery will still operate the wind shield wipers and lights etc. The best way to be exact, is to take the battery out of the vehicle and take it to an auto parts store. They have a tester that will determine if the battery is indeed good or bad.

Answer 3

Well, I'm not a car expert BUT...My boyfriend, Thad, has an '89 Cobra Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible. Not too long ago the car was doing the same thing that yours was. Well, I'm not too sure how old your car is, but his is as old as he is, 19 (18 when it came out, but 19 because it was made in '88 then sold as an '89). It would start funny, lagging a bit, and every time he stopped (if he didn't put it in neutral at a sign or light, or keep pumping the gas [whatever you call it]), the engine would shut off. Now, he bought a new battery, which wasn't even as big as the original but big enough to run the engine. It doesn't mess up anymore, but he realised that his 1200 watt amp was running the battery dead. Now, if you go out and buy a new battery, which you need to, just give the car a few days to adjust to the new battery. You'll probably need to buy a few other things, but it shouldn't cost as much as the repairs on Thad's car did. I don't think buying the parts would be a big deal, considering yours isn't quite as old as his. But, go out and buy one. And if you have an amp...Remember to just turn it off, or the CD player off, every time you get out of the car. I hope this helps!

Answer 4

Couple of dodgy starts recently more than likely the battery. Try getting a jump start from another cars battery. If it works it seems it would be the battery. Then for piece of mind measure battery voltage when running, it should be about 14v which is telling you the alternator circuit is trying to charge the battery. Turn ignition off leave for half an hour and measure voltage should be above 12v say 12.4v if less than 12 v then its likely dropped a cell. Confirms battery needs replaced.

Answer 5

Take a multimeter, set it 12v dc and it should measure 12v+-. Yes lights, windscreen wipers etc normally work for a while with a bad battery. Take the battery out and bring it to a auto electrical shop where they will do tests on it and tell you wether you will need another.This is normally done free of charge. If it is not that check youre ignition system, by downloading a current flow diagram and systematically going through the troubleshooting sections

Answer 6

Might work but lights would be dim and wipers sloooow. It the lights are bright, turn them on and try to start. If they go out, probably is the battery. If they stay bright, it's something else, starter or ignition switch. An auto parts store can check the battery and starting system, usually for free.

Answer 7

Sure. A bad battery can still power lights but not have enough to start the vehicle. Start by making sure your battery cables are clean and tight. I wouldn't just go buy a new battery without testing the old one first, unless of course it's a 3 year battery on its 5th year, then you can almost bet it's bad. You can get a battery tester at the parts store and check it yourself, or get a jump start and drive it to the mechanic to have him check it for you.

Answer 8

ok here are a couple of trouble shoots you can do.battery if you live were its been cold replacing bat. mite be good idea but this is whatr you do get a jump to get car running so to check altinator couple of ways there is a metal peice in the back centre w/ running hold butter knife on it while running should be magnatized and want to stick if so alt. good battery most likely problem.

Answer 9

take it to a dealer there maybe a software problem in the cars pcm(the engine control box)i had a similar problem with a renault,we changed the battery and made no difference.

Answer 10

If the car only 'clicks' when you try to start it, it's probably the starter. Otherwise. go to Auto Zone & they can check the battery and the alternator while they're still installed in your car.