Hi all

I think I have an alternator or battery problem but was hoping I could use some of people's knowledge to help diagnose it further.

Background: the car (May 94 TS Exec, 3.0 V6 Wagon Auto) had been sitting around for 2 weeks whilst I was on holiday. Came back and it started first time. Drove it around 40 mins to the beach. 3 hours later it started first time again. Took it to the car wash and there was a bit of a queue so switched off the engine. When one of the cars ahead finished, it switched on no problems and I drove forward one space, switched off. Sat there with the radio on for around 10 mins. When it was my turn to go into the space it wouldn't start.

Lights came on but the battery light wouldn't go when key put to on position and when I turned it to ignition all the lights went out and it didn't start (no noise whatsoever). Tried several time with no success. In the end pushed it through and got a jump start where it started very quickly and easily. Next stopped at the supermarket.

When got back in to start it exactly the same thing as above. Got a friend to jump start the car (again started very easily) and when got home switched the engine off and it wouldn't re-start.

When the car was running the battery light wasn't on.

Also there are a few strange noises going on. After a failed start there is a loud repeated clicking noise (hard to know exactly where coming from but near the driver side dashboard area).

Also, if the key is moved to on, but not all the way to ignition and the gearstick moved to anything other than P or N, there is a very rapid repeated clicking noise coming from under the bonnet (to the right and slightly behind the battery somewhere).

For me its strange that it started fine several times before stopping - I will try and investigate more and post more information, but in the mean time if people have any helpful suggestions as to what it is or diagnosis tips or easy DIY solution tips that would be very helpful!

Cheers
D_E

The clicking you're hearing is most certainly the relays kicking in (based on the location of the noise source), nothing to worry about. As for the alternator, if the battery light isn't coming on then chances are the alternator is fine, although it could possibly be a problem with the battery itself as it can cause the same problems, but the battery light won't come on if it's a battery issue.

Clicking noise is the starter motor and is normal during ignition.

Sounds like the battery is gone, the only way is to get it tested (not sure if you can do this at home with a device, voltage metre?)

I would get it tested asap, if the altenator was dead there would'nt be any driving done as you have said it made it to the supermarket etc.

Sounds like the battery. (From what you have described)

Thanks for the replies!

Good to know the clicking shouldn't be anything serious.

Regarding the battery light - it came on when you move the key to the 'on' position, and stays on. But once jump started it goes out and does not come back on.

Revs are completely normal when actually driving.

Hi, battery light going out when running is normal. have you had your cables off the battery? what you are describing sounds like dirty ie corroded terminals. do your terminals on the battery look like they have discoloured snow or frost on them? cleaning your battery terminals and earth contacts might save you the cost of a new battery. also make sure that all your connections are clean, bright and tightly connected. hope this advice is usefull. Cheers

I reckon the battery is stuffed and your alternator is fine. If the alternator was stuffed I doubt you will be able to drive it after a jump.

You said V6? hmm if only people would read before they post!

For starters, you startermotor is at the front approx centre under the front exhaust.

The clicking is because you are holding the key as you stated just off the on position, this will cause the contact to be static, ie like when you slowly turn a light switch on, the arking inside will give a temp contact thus light will flicker on and off.

The Battery will be your issue, I say this because if your alt light is off, you are getting charge and the battery is not accpepting it, it is not un common for a cell to die like that especially if the battery is getting on

If battery is not all that old, check the terminals are clean and same with the battery posts.