Hey,

So lately my car has been playing up and not exactly sure what the problem is.

The other week I went to start my car and there was nothing, it jumped fine and I took it to our family friend mechanic. He said that the battery was in good health, gave it a charge and said the alternator was fine also.

Car started fine for about a week, now I went to jump in today and it wouldnt start again. Obviously it looks like a battery issue, but the mechanic said the battery was fine...

So unless he is wrong, is there anything else that could be wrong with my car?

SOmetimes the idle drops a bit low, leading me to think it was the alternator - but apparently that is fine too.

I'm a noob at trouble shooting so your help would be great, cheers.

get someone to do a voltage test see if its charging right and to see if its draining power some where best bet get a second opinion

rpm dropping low can be ISC (idle speed control) motor.

Failure to start randomly can be an immobiliser problem. Take the key out, put it back in, try to start. When you take the key out, does it give a healthy clunk?

I had a similar problem with my TH Magna. The battery was about 4 years old so I naturally figured that was the problem (despite being able to do a test at work lol).
I replaced the battery and the problem was still there. It turned out to be the starter motor. Got a new one fitted and hasn't missed a beat yet.
So glad I got a staff discount on the battery though !

Testing the starter motor: get the car to misbehave, then put a multimeter across the battery. If you try to crank and nothing happens, and the meter still reads 12V or more, its going to be ignition switch (immobiliser) or starter motor. Run a piece of wire from the + of the battery to the small spade terminal on the starter motor solenoid itself(if you can get to it). It should crank if the starter motor is ok.

Probably will have a current leak. Easy to test with a multi-meter. If you're getting leakage a good place to start is the boot light as the wiring experiences movement stress there. Also keep your eye on the battery light whilst you're driving. If it comes on it could indicate your voltage regulator is flaky.

Does it fall to crank but show lights on the dash? Tried headlights on and starting (to watch them fade)?

Does it fall to crank but show lights on the dash? Tried headlights on and starting (to watch them fade)?

Thanks for the replies guys,

yes this is exactly what happens. It goes to crank dies but all the lights on the dash work...

how old is the battery mate?

how old is the battery mate?

I thought it was only about 2 years old...but I can't be 100 percent sure.

hmmmm batterys can last only up to a year, it may show good voltage but what you need is a load test, most auto sparkys do this for free. i had an issue with my car, kep ruleing out the batter coz was showing good voltage, but it just didnt have the balls anymore to kick it over

sounds like the starter motor is dying my gfs car was doing the same replaced it now it starts everytime

did you get this sorta mozza?