FabSwingers.com mobile

Join us FREE, we're FREE to use

Web's largest swingers site since 2006.

Already registered?
Login here

Back to forum list
Back to Wales

Car Trouble, again!!!

Jump to newest
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

The car I have use of is becoming a problem!!

It doesn't seem to be holding the charge in the battery. That's fine outside my house as I'm on a slope and I can bump start it, but on the flat I have no hope!

Put a set of jump leads from another car and it starts straight away.

It's a 51 plate ford mondeo estate.

Is is a simple case of a new battery or something more costly?!

(Knowing my luck with cars, its the latter!!!!)

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It could be the battery.. Just get a new one.. That happened to mine the other day.. Wasn't holding charge.. Found out it was the battery.. But the worse case.. It could be the alternator.. You be able to pick one of them up for a mondeo in a scrappies cheap enough though.. Hope that's helped..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *thwalescplCouple
over a year ago

brecon

It could be the alternator, or a slipping belt, but without getting the battery tested there is no way of knowing for sure.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Ok so battery about £60 in Halfords. If I go and buy it and it doesn't solve the problem, can I take it back?! lol

How do I test the battery???

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

To test the battery you need a volt tester to see 1. If the alternator is giving the battery enough juice or 2. The battery is holding charge when the car is switched off. Dont buy anything until one or the other is tested. Take it to a battery centre and they normally check free of charge.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"To test the battery you need a volt tester to see 1. If the alternator is giving the battery enough juice or 2. The battery is holding charge when the car is switched off. Dont buy anything until one or the other is tested. Take it to a battery centre and they normally check free of charge."

That's fine, I could sort that out. But would be stuck there then!! lol

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

it could even be a simple thing like leaving a light on or interior light.check no lights left on any where in the car.as that can drain a battery as well.xx

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ur alternator gone, not charging as u drive so just draining batt

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

if you take it to a garage lass they can put a voltmeter on it as the car is running. This will tell them if the alternator is charging the battery or if it's the battery itself. Replacing the battery will be cheaper than an alternator, but being as it's a mondeo there should be a few about in scrapyards as it's a ford. ( I have one too x)

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Lol chick here. Even I know how to sort that. But go to a local small car spares just cost me £30 for battery and an amazingly lucki £35 for the ault. Mind you I am a trained mechanic.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

could even be a short in the wiring.x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"if you take it to a garage lass they can put a voltmeter on it as the car is running. This will tell them if the alternator is charging the battery or if it's the battery itself. Replacing the battery will be cheaper than an alternator, but being as it's a mondeo there should be a few about in scrapyards as it's a ford. ( I have one too x)"

Mr snap, as you are local, do you recommend a garage??

You have a ford or a scrapyard!? Lol x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Get the battery tested, avoid crapfords and the scrap yards

My money is on the battery

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

does it start easy once warmed up?

if so the battery is knackered .

how old is it ?

they last between 5 /7 years .

less if you use heated rear screen and other stuff all the time .

btw i bought a brand new one last month for a mondeo and never fitted it.. hint hint

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ensual PleasurerMan
over a year ago

swansea

Just go to a garage or a battery centre and ask them to check the battery. The battery may show full charge on a meter but they will test to see if a cell has gone in the battery and then tell you if battery is good or bad. If you know someone with a trade discount card then they could get you a battery cheaper if it is that

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Any motor spares shop will test your battery for you, even probably Halfords

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Thanks for all the advice, will take it some where tomorrow.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Thanks for all the advice, will take it some where tomorrow. "

Given the age of the car .... and everything else is mechanically sound Then I'd plump for the battery. Had it ever been changed ?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

It's been running fine. Not a clue when it was changed last. It's not my car!! (Long story!! Lol)

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Take it to the local Kwik Fit and have them test the battery. They not only test the battery but the charging system as well. They will tell you what is wrong and once you know that then you can go where you like to have it fixed.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Ok so battery about £60 in Halfords. If I go and buy it and it doesn't solve the problem, can I take it back?! lol

How do I test the battery???"

halfords are expensive for batterys

i bought a mondeo one from supac a wholesale supplier in merthyr. for £49 halfords wanted £86

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *thwalescplCouple
over a year ago

brecon

Bloody thread is a jinx!!!

I jump into Jaynes car to go to Cardiff..... and half a mile down the road the power-steering goes into "don't want to play" mode! Arrggghhhhh!

I don't know if there is a separate hydraulic system for the power steering, or whether it's all-in with the brake and clutch system, and the engine is impossible to work on, all covered up, so it's down the garage tomoz.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Lass just get yr bum to halfords. Batt test and when pay the fiver foe fitting. Remember you need the radio code. Unless the keep juice on the leads when changing it like i have managed.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 18/03/14 19:19:00]

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Bloody thread is a jinx!!!

I jump into Jaynes car to go to Cardiff..... and half a mile down the road the power-steering goes into "don't want to play" mode! Arrggghhhhh!

I don't know if there is a separate hydraulic system for the power steering, or whether it's all-in with the brake and clutch system, and the engine is impossible to work on, all covered up, so it's down the garage

tomoz. "
what car have you got.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *thwalescplCouple
over a year ago

brecon

Its a Toyota Auris 07 plate.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Dropping kids to school then going to my local kwikfit. Then go from there

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i had one of those with the same issue....twoz the battery....take the bulb out of the glove box....it was staying on but you cant see it....

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"i had one of those with the same issue....twoz the battery....take the bulb out of the glove box....it was staying on but you cant see it.... "

Thank you for that tip. I've switched off the interior light when the door is open too

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi Welshlass, would put money on the battery being the cause of your problems, places like FMP or GMF are the best places to get batteries, good quality, good warranty and cost way less than Halfords/Kwik Fit

The Toyota Auris will have its own independent power steering system may even be electric power steering pump.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Just back from kwikfit. They tested battery for me. It definitely needs replacing.

When it was running the machine said charge was good. But it also said "ripple too big" Guy said it gives the same reading for a faulty battery and a faulty alternator.

Just for the battery I was quoted £117!!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

owch.....pick one up cheaper if you shop around...

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"owch.....pick one up cheaper if you shop around..."

I have a few people looking for cheaper as we speak!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Bloody thread is a jinx!!!

I jump into Jaynes car to go to Cardiff..... and half a mile down the road the power-steering goes into "don't want to play" mode! Arrggghhhhh!

I don't know if there is a separate hydraulic system for the power steering, or whether it's all-in with the brake and clutch system, and the engine is impossible to work on, all covered up, so it's down the garage tomoz. "

hi mart lots of cars now have electric motors on the steering columb (cheaper option )but they always break down . the hydralic power steering would have a resoviour for the power steering fluid (which you check weekly ) oh dear hope it does'nt cost too much .

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Bloody thread is a jinx!!!

I jump into Jaynes car to go to Cardiff..... and half a mile down the road the power-steering goes into "don't want to play" mode! Arrggghhhhh!

I don't know if there is a separate hydraulic system for the power steering, or whether it's all-in with the brake and clutch system, and the engine is impossible to work on, all covered up, so it's down the garage tomoz.

hi mart lots of cars now have electric motors on the steering columb (cheaper option )but they always break down . the hydralic power steering would have a resoviour for the power steering fluid (which you check weekly ) oh dear hope it does'nt cost too much .

"
if it is hydrolic it mught just be the power steering belt snapped .

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"owch.....pick one up cheaper if you shop around...

I have a few people looking for cheaper as we speak!"

i have a brand new never used one £45 its a 096 the right one for a mondeo

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Buck , if I'm not sorted by the end of the day, I'll have it!!

Do you have an alternator too, just incase!?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Bloody thread is a jinx!!!

I jump into Jaynes car to go to Cardiff..... and half a mile down the road the power-steering goes into "don't want to play" mode! Arrggghhhhh!

I don't know if there is a separate hydraulic system for the power steering, or whether it's all-in with the brake and clutch system, and the engine is impossible to work on, all covered up, so it's down the garage tomoz.

hi mart lots of cars now have electric motors on the steering columb (cheaper option )but they always break down . the hydralic power steering would have a resoviour for the power steering fluid (which you check weekly ) oh dear hope it does'nt cost too much .

"
if it is hydrolic it mught just be the power steering belt snapped .

just googled it its an electric motor on the steering columb ans wait for it ! it has its own computer. second hand £300 but might just be wire or fuse .

there are lots of indipendent power steering specialists who do it far cheaper that main dealers

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"owch.....pick one up cheaper if you shop around...

I have a few people looking for cheaper as we speak!"
get urself on phone to the AA and get breakdown and parts n labour cover, about £25 p/month! Not only u got b/down but anything goes wrong ie, alternator, head gasket, timing most things u pay £35 excess n they pay £500 of garage bills! Best thing i ever had when my gasket went! Only cost me £35 bill was £470 in all x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Buck , if I'm not sorted by the end of the day, I'll have it!!

Do you have an alternator too, just incase!? "

i can pretty much guarantee its not the alternator..if its not charging you usually have a red light come up on the dashboard .its sounds like its just an old battery.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"owch.....pick one up cheaper if you shop around...

I have a few people looking for cheaper as we speak! get urself on phone to the AA and get breakdown and parts n labour cover, about £25 p/month! Not only u got b/down but anything goes wrong ie, alternator, head gasket, timing most things u pay £35 excess n they pay £500 of garage bills! Best thing i ever had when my gasket went! Only cost me £35 bill was £470 in all x "

Ive got that now....best thing since sliced bread !!!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

was going to say stay away from kwik fit since they are robbing fekers.

another way to check your alternator and belt.at dusk with engine running and lights turned on.in neutral rev the engine.if the lights get brighter then there's a problem with alternator or belt.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"was going to say stay away from kwik fit since they are robbing fekers.

another way to check your alternator and belt.at dusk with engine running and lights turned on.in neutral rev the engine.if the lights get brighter then there's a problem with alternator or belt."

Thanks for that tip, will try it later

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

its prob yr alternator love when batt dont keep charge its usually that or an electrical problem

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

it'd put my money on the battery at fault.

online is cheapest I've found for batteries.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Think of a battery like a bucket of water if its old the water going in (charge from alternator)is filling it.

But if it has a hole it doesn't retain the water. so when you go to start it there's nothing there.

A new battery is like a bucket without the hole.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

yeah they are normally only good for 3 -5 years depends on usage.short journeys kill them quicker as they don't get a full charge and sulfication occurs......I'm waffling now sorry.

nice arse caz by the way

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Thank you all for the advice. Car now running. Changed battery. Also revved it with lights on and they didn't change.

So hopefully that's it for now

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Had a similar problem turned out not to be the battery but a connection on the alternator !

Opened up the connection cleansed it and greased it up ( it was gone green and powdery) and put back together has been grand since

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *utty FruttyCouple
over a year ago

south wales

Typical F,O,R,D !!! (Fix Or Repair Daily) lol

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All sorted now Lass?

If not I've got a multimeter and could possibly test if I'm in the area.

x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The car I have use of is becoming a problem!!

It doesn't seem to be holding the charge in the battery. That's fine outside my house as I'm on a slope and I can bump start it, but on the flat I have no hope!

Put a set of jump leads from another car and it starts straight away.

It's a 51 plate ford mondeo estate.

Is is a simple case of a new battery or something more costly?!

(Knowing my luck with cars, its the latter!!!!) "

As the battery keeps on running once started you might just want to check the actual bolts where the terminals connect... Sounds like yours may have loosened somehow. Maybe that's your problem with a bit of luck x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"All sorted now Lass?

If not I've got a multimeter and could possibly test if I'm in the area.

x"

All running now. Does that test the charge on the alternator?? Like kwikfit tested or can it test other conections?!!

And yes please if you are close

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yep. Test the battery charge and voltage from alternator. But that's what kwikfit would have checked for you I'd have thought.

What sort of area are you anyway?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

They did on the old battery.

When engine was running, machine said good charge, but the ripple was too big. The bloke said that same reading comes up if it's the alternator or the battery.

I'm junc 33

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi i've used these off ebay may times for batteries

http://bit.ly/1pvh0bl

Free delivery & 4yr warranty

Always get a 2nd. Or even 3rd opinion when getting a check done to see if its the battery or alternator they are free!

Never bump start a modern car with a cat fitted as it pushes un burt fuel throu cat & will knacker it up giving you high readings on mot!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales

Thank you for the advice. It's a 51 plate, so not that modern.

Bought a battery with 2 years on it, don't think the car will last much longer than that!!!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ld skool swingerMan
over a year ago

Abertillery

Lass if u have further trouble . mechanicwith 35 years exp and own a garage just message me

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *thwalescplCouple
over a year ago

brecon

Well, nice to see Lass got hers sorted.

Ours hasnt reached a conclusion yet, but it's the steering control module... and its gonna be expensive, although I cant understand the difference in prices... one garage wants £876 but we decided to go with the Toyota garage (who we expected to be the most expensive) at £535 (including recovery to theirs from the local garage!).

How can the same part be fitted, yet be over a £300 difference?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Well, nice to see Lass got hers sorted.

Ours hasnt reached a conclusion yet, but it's the steering control module... and its gonna be expensive, although I cant understand the difference in prices... one garage wants £876 but we decided to go with the Toyota garage (who we expected to be the most expensive) at £535 (including recovery to theirs from the local garage!).

How can the same part be fitted, yet be over a £300 difference? "
cos there are rip off gits lol

Don't tell rock I said that cos he's a mechanic lol

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's the alternator Hun will cost 60 / 80 quid or have the belt and tensioners checked

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elsh_lass74 OP   Woman
over a year ago

South Wales


"It's the alternator Hun will cost 60 / 80 quid or have the belt and tensioners checked "

It was the battery

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Glad it's sorted

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elshy84Man
over a year ago

blackwood


"Bloody thread is a jinx!!!

I jump into Jaynes car to go to Cardiff..... and half a mile down the road the power-steering goes into "don't want to play" mode! Arrggghhhhh!

I don't know if there is a separate hydraulic system for the power steering, or whether it's all-in with the brake and clutch system, and the engine is impossible to work on, all covered up, so it's down the garage tomoz. "
that be fluid or pump mate.....

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Just back from kwikfit. They tested battery for me. It definitely needs replacing.

When it was running the machine said charge was good. But it also said "ripple too big" Guy said it gives the same reading for a faulty battery and a faulty alternator.

Just for the battery I was quoted £117!! "

You would be, Kwikfit are taught to rip people off

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

go to your local car parts place . plenty of them around had a battery for my car for 50 quid at my local motor factors ,,,,,kwik fit are the biggest rip off b@stards under the sun .

or if you know of a back street garage they will change it for you for not much more and order a battery for you

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
Post new Message to Thread
back to top