Page 1 of Which car battery charger do I need?

Hello, car noob questions,

We have an `S` reg petrol fiesta that was sat on our drive for almost a year without being driven, anyway we tried to jump start it (using a power pack and another car) neither of which worked. Called the RAC and their charger thing managed to do it.

After leaving the engine running for an hour I left it for about 5 hours (only have one key so didn`t want to leave the car running alone) and now it seems it doesn`t have enough charge to start again - although this time the clock and ignition lights slightly come on.

So getting to the point which one of these from argos would be the best one for the job?

Also not as important as it`s going for a service tomorrow but when the wheels are turned they make a banging noise that sounds a bit like springs that have been rusted being released or something. Any idea what this could be so I can tell them when it goes in for the service.

Thanks in advance

banging noise is probably just where the brake pads had stuck to the wheel, should be ok after a drive up the road. just push the pedal down hard a few times to clean any rust off. and make sure no one is behind you.

Quote:
We have an `S` reg petrol fiesta that was sat on our drive for almost a year without being driven, anyway we tried to jump start it (using a power pack and another car) neither of which worked. Called the RAC and their charger thing managed to do it.

........and now it seems it doesn`t have enough charge to start again

IIRC a 5 second turn of the starter takes 20 mins of driving to replace the charge, if it won`t start after an hour of idling then the battery is probably fubared.

Had similar issues with Serenity not starting\charging, even from a breakdown truck, new battery & alternator fitted etc, turned out to be a common thing with Triumphs that the recomended battery can be underpowered & actually needs a much higher rated battery.

If you want to buy a charger anyway then the 29.99 one seems the best of the bunch.




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This item was edited on Monday, 18th August 2008, 21:22

:B if the car has been idle for as long as you say and the battery wasnt disconnected, there would still be a small discharge into the radio and or any other auxiliary equipment still connected when the ignition key is turned off, causing the battery to go into serious discharge from which it most likely wont ever recover, even if you try to charge it again, crap falling from the plates can settle at bottom of the battery causing a partial short circuit which will stop it charging or not reach full capacity - after a year i wouldnt even mess about with it, batteries are pretty cheap these days, plonk a new one on you wont regret, specially in the winter, and if you want to buy a charger you dont need a fancy one £20 quid tops unless u like bells whistles and l.e.d`s :B

P.s a car at idle will not be enough to charge your battery, the alternator will just be ticking over and just pushing enough amps into it to stop it going into discharge, it needs a good belt up the motorway :B

This item was edited on Tuesday, 19th August 2008, 10:25