Flat Battery

[RayD]

The longest period my cars been stood during the 3 weeks I've had it, was 8 days, it started first time, afterwards. The voltmeter reads 14 volts when running. I've just had the bonnet/hood up for the best part of 2 days and the battery is flat. Is there a relationship between this, and the bonnet operated switch adjacent to the nearside suspension leg. I had assumed the switch was just part of the alarm.
Thank you very much,
Ray

[sheprob]

I've got a similar problem as well. This cold weather and lack of use has really killed the battery. I took the car out the other day, I had to jump start it first. While driving the voltmeter showed a healthy 14volts. I think you have to remember that this is only really indicating that the alternator is working as it should. Today I measured my battery with a voltmeter and it showed 9.3 volts. This can also be confirmed if you turn on the ignition (without starting the car), this will show battery voltage. Therefore, my battery is ready for the bin.
As for the bonnet switch I'm really not sure, but if you have an under bonnet light then that would certainly flatten the battery.
I think once a battery starts showing much below 12 volts then its on the way out. You could try reacharging yours first, but I'm sure mine is way past it.

Hope this helps

Rob

[chris.t]

Another one to add to the list eh Rob

[RayD]

Thank you Rob,

The battery is a new one and I have it on charge at the moment. I think it's been drained by something. There doesn't appear to be an under bonnet light. There is a possibility that one of the doors as been left open and the two lights on the mirror have done it.

Ray

[Enright]

That's definitely non-standard.
I don't know of any with under-bonnet switches.
Other than for alarms as you said.

[RayD]

Thank you Neil,
When I get the battery charged up I'll test if the switch sets off the alarm. In the meantime, I have found the discharge problem - both of the interior lights have been on for 3 days.
Ray

[Doug]

the switch that rotates for the headlights also pulls out to a detent that turns on the interior lights -- be sure you know and check this is pushed in as it could be your problem.

[RayD]

Thank you for that, Doug.

I’m still in the need of rescuing.

While the battery was off the car, I saw the two rocker switches on the interior mirror rolled forward and the light icons showing – I assumed the lights had been turned on all week. Now the battery is charged and back on I can see they work the other way round.

The under bonnet switch does fire the set alarm when the bonnet is lifted. Does this mean that having the bonnet up for a couple of days with the alarm turned off there could be a drain on the battery through the switch?

If it never happens again the only other explanation could have been a door open.

Ray

[RobsLotus]

Could be your boot light.If you have a test meter ,set to amps,remove batt + place meter leads between.See what load on batt . You could remove one fuse at a time ,to see which circuit causing problem.good luck

[RayD]

Thanks Rob,
I’ve checked the boot light, but I will do the test you mention if it happens again.
Ray

[RayD]

Well it did happen again, several times. This time I took the battery back to Halfords and while it had only been bought in July 2006 it was only producing 300 of its 600 amps, the voltage at time was 12.4. They supplied a new battery and a 4-year warranty, starting today. So Halfords are highly recommended.

The battery is an HCB 075 Calcium Technology, 9.5” long x 7” wide x 7” high. £70