Advice Needed

[k13r4n]

ok guys a friend of mine has a 57 plate ka and she has broken down and won't start up again all we get is a clucking noise and flickering from the dials any ideas on what this could be causing the problem

[stef123]

flat battery

[Stoney871]

battery or alternator.

Try charging the battery first and see how you go from there.

[k13r4n]

there is power in the car ie lights hazards wipers etc though

[stef123]

yup but it takes alot more to turn an engine over

think of it like this, i can join 8x AA batteries to get 12v - i could power a radio, some lights etc but i wouldnt be able to start a car. the battery needs to be able to supply hundreds of amps to get the starter to turn the engine

[k13r4n]

ah ok will try it and see what happens

[Phili Smith]

One other point. Most modern cars run silver calcide battery. These things seem to have the lifespan of a gnat! and they die very strangely, one day the car starts fine the next it won't then a few hours later it works again (sometimes for weeks) the only way to be realy sure is to find a decent garage (not a rip off merchant) and get them to do a drop test on the battery. One other strange issue is that you can't even retro fit an old style lead-acid battery as it won't charge!

Strange but true!

Phil

[k13r4n]

yeah her car started today got the battery checked and its fine so dunno what happened

[Phili Smith]

Now I would be looking for dirty/damaged wiring on starter motor or it could simply be that all the water we have had lately means the starter was simply sticking.

[k13r4n]

noticed the copper wiring parts were black and also where can I go to generate a radio code as I know I need the serial number but note I'm not asking for it just looking to be pointed into the right direction for one as I know they are banned

[Stoney871]

As your radio serial is most definitely a V code have a look on eBay, some there will post a code out for less than a fiver.