ZX not starting

KEB1 · Unread post by **KEB1** » 27 Jul 2010, 13:25

Hi all,

My ZX has not been in use for some time but I had it connected to a solar battery charger.
However, I came out to move it this morning and it won't start due to the battery being flat (lights go out when trying to start). The battery is only three months old so I wouldn't expect it to just fail and there has been no warnings on the dash. Anyone any ideas what might be causing the problem ?

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 27 Jul 2010, 13:34

I trusted my new battery to a solar panel and it did the same thing - killed it!

Don't assume there's anything wrong with your car until you've tried a fully charged battery first.

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 27 Jul 2010, 15:57

KEB1 wrote:
it won't start due to the battery being flat (lights go out when trying to start). ?

It may not be the battery. You would get that result through a corroded battery terminal - or maybe the connector on the starter. Check the voltage across the battery first.

swiss_steve · Unread post by **swiss_steve** » 27 Jul 2010, 16:10

If the battery is only 3 months old, try trickle-charging it for 24 hours (with at least one terminal disconnected on the battery if still mounted in the car), then try it again.

I had the same on my car a few weeks ago, and it came back to life with full strength as if nothing happened - you might be lucky....

Good luck!

KEB1 · Unread post by **KEB1** » 27 Jul 2010, 16:14

Thanks guys,

I am pretty sure it is the battery as the head lights dim on starting and the starter turns but very slowly. I just walked the battery down to the place I bought it and they are going to put it on charge overnight. Apparently. they don't stab test them any more (which is news to me). It is still under warranty so if it is faulty, I will hopefully get a new one.

the_weaver · Unread post by **the_weaver** » 28 Jul 2010, 23:55

That's bad. I was going to buy one of those solar battery chargers. I won't bother now. Isn't there supposed to be a diode fitted in the solar panel to stop the battery from "charging" the panel when there's no sun. Maybe that diode is missing or faulty.

Paul

demag · Unread post by **demag** » 29 Jul 2010, 19:56

Interesting! I also have a solar charger on my Bx and the battery is as flat as a f*rt.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 29 Jul 2010, 21:49

SAAB fitted those as standard for a while, never heard either good or bad about them though. Looks as though someone made a fatal error with the circuitry

Maybe a wind farm on the roof would be a better idea

KEB1 · Unread post by **KEB1** » 03 Aug 2010, 18:11

I charged the battery and every thing is now fine so I am of the opinion that the solar charger is possibly at fault. When I get the chance, I will put a circuit tester on the panel and see if it is drawing current. It is supposed to be protected by a diode but we shall se.

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ZX not starting

ZX not starting

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