Flat Battery

OwenP · Post by **OwenP** » 31 Jan 2006, 08:06

Hi All,

Went out to start my 405 in the sub zero termps we've got (-4) this morning. Everything lit up as normal, but on trying to turn the engine over (have you guessed yet?) only got a couple of very laboured clunks before the alarm went off. Now Yesterday as I couldn't post it then.

Flat battery. Battery is fairly new as is the alternator (within the last 6 months ish), but the car hasn't run any distance for about 3 weeks. Only other thing one of the battery terminals is cracked although still making good contact can't remember if its the +ve or -ve terminal.

Its a P reg 1.9td

Any ideas? Is it just sitting for a few weeks or should I be looking into it for something a bit more serious?

Got a jump start off a mate and took it for a run and it seems fine not tried it yet today though.

Pheonix · Post by **Pheonix** » 31 Jan 2006, 11:13

I would have said its just the cold weather and not being run for three weeks. I expect someone clever will come along though and suggest a way of checking residual current draw once the engine is off...

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 31 Jan 2006, 19:04

The best thing to do with the S***E 405 battery terminals is cut both of them off & solder some decent ones on.

Whoever designed the battery terminals on the 405 wants a good kick up the arse!

fastandfurryous · Post by **fastandfurryous** » 31 Jan 2006, 19:08

Have to agree with that. The -ve one is worse than the +ve one, but they are both crap. Having changed both for decent brass clamp-type ones, my 405td spins it's starter noticeably faster.

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 31 Jan 2006, 19:27

fastandfurryous wrote:Have to agree with that. The -ve one is worse than the +ve one, but they are both crap. Having changed both for decent brass clamp-type ones, my 405td spins it's starter noticeably faster.

I did exactly the same for my old 405.

The +ve one stretched & would just lift off the battery terminal

I cut both terminals off & soldered some nice brass ones on, Sorted the electrics out a treat

The newer Pugs use a clamp type terminal on the -ve, Some also use this clamp type on the +ve but a lot of the multiplexed cars use a quick on connection for the +ve with a lever you flick up with your fingers.

I think its something to do with when you notice the wiring loom smoking if you have missed the re-calls ( 307 / 406 & 607 owners ) you can disconnect the battery quickly