C4 GP Flat battery today !!

[reef2k]

Had my 2007 GP HDi a couple of weeks now,no problems,but after a 140 mile round trip yeasterday (return trip in the dark) the battery was flat this morning. i unloaded some stuff last night and used the middle button twice on remote to turn the lights on for no more than a couple of minutes,so surely this wasn't enough to drain the battery ? No interior lights were left on and the battery measured 12.8 volts before i jumped it today. i will check connections tomorrow,regardless if it starts or not,but not sure what else to do as had been starting without issue

[white exec]

Assume the engine has difficulty cranking. If so, the battery may not be flat, but unable to deliver adequate current to the starter motor.
Take off and clean up the main battery terminals/clamps. Try cranking again. If either battery connector gets warm or hot, then replace both of them with new brass clamps.

[GiveMeABreak]

Failing Chris's afvice above - If you are sure the battery is not older than 5 years and in good health - then check the alternator is actually charging it. Incidentally - be very careful about jump starting these - the ECUs are very sensitive and can easily be upset if not connected in the right sequence.

A long trip in the dark with with all the electrics and lights on / heating / A/C etc will not be putting much into the battery

If the alternator is charging the battery and all your cables are tight and in good order - probably time for a new Battery.

[reef2k]

Thanks Chris,i will do that tomorrow.How easy is it to get to the earth terminal,it's under that ridiculous fuse assembly that sits on the battery ..who designs this s**t ffs

[reef2k]

Marc,i've no idea how old the battery is,it came with full history/paperwork but can't find an mention of a Battery,so could be original,which isn't good news. I'll check charge voltage tomorrow and make sure i jump it in the correct order if it needs it.

[GiveMeABreak]

If it's on the original it's done very well! These modern cars have a stack of electronics and they really do demand a good battery. Best of luck.

[reef2k]

Yes,70 miles with lights,A/C,wipers,stereo etc,then a couple of minutes with the headlights on,engine off just may have been the last straw !

[RichardW]

Changing the battery is not as hard as seems - although it's no way as easy as it could be! It can get harder, depending on what equipment is fitted to the battery. Given that a new (700CCA) battery can be had from on line suppliers for £70, and it's a PITA to change, I would just stick a new one in if there is any doubt as to its condition.

Info in my posts about our C4 here: https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... 11&t=42809

[reef2k]

Thanks Richard,i had a look at your link and everything looks to take ridiculously longer than it should,through dreadful design,what were they thinking ffs. It needs an oil/filter change shortly,and that is no longer a quick job ...God,i really hate modern cars with a passion

[reef2k]

New battery arrived and all is well again Batteries are funny things ..when i first charged the original,it behaved normally,charger took about five hours to complete cycle,re-connected and was as dead as when it started. Put on charge again and after the 3 minute test procedure,the charger rejected it with all lights turning red,tried again,same result even though the magic-eye was happily glowing green. i may lever off the sealed cover and check the water levels,but guess it's beyond help.