Hi
My dads 1.6 Tourer suddenly decided it didn't want to start today. Would turn over a bit slower than usual, would start to catch but then not fire. A jump start from another car to bring the battery up a bit started it fine, but why would a low batter cause it not to start in the first place?
Surely if there's enough current to turn over an engine OK (worked on 5 attempts) there's enough to cause ignition? Or do you think it's another problem? If so, how does one know where to look for fault codes? Distributor looked clean and rotor OK.
Thanks
Mike Farrow
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probably because the battery power was directed at highest current drain point.Being starter.If battery low enough it wont have the current to drive coil/ECU petrol pump as well..It cannot be devided. one or the other wont work.first point of current drain is starter..
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Steve
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Sorry forgot to mention.ECU only gives fault code as and when it happens.It has no memmory so any fault has to be checked out as it happens..This costs from rover.Unless an independent has the gear to sort it..Poss cheaper than MD
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Steve
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Thanks steve, I'll let him know.
I was surprised that the Rover doesn't come with a dash light for the engine management system. I suppose they think if the car's broken down or running badly you don't need a light to tell you this :-)
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Modern batteries just seem to die, I had 2 do it on my last car, My neighbour had it happen on his Rover 216, my son had it on his MX5. All just died, no warning. The current drawn by the starter motor causes a voltage drop. If the engine won't crank fast enough, it won't start.
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>>The current drawn by the starter motor causes a voltage drop. If the engine won't crank fast enough, it won't start.
Not strictly true.Lazy starter can give impression battery almost flat.But battery can supply voltage/current needed to start engine.In other words engine does not need to be fast cranked to start.Though will depend on state of engine..
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Steve
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Yes, what I meant was if a cell has failed then the voltage will be down slightly on normal, but the failed cell will cause a noticable voltage drop when the engine is cranked.
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probably because the battery power was directed at highest current drain point
What direction?
It is voltage (pressure) that drives, and current flow that results -- like water pressure and water flow. You might also draw the analogy that if everyone else is taking water there aint going to be much pressure.
If the battery is heavily loaded, especially if it is in a a poor state, its voltage reduces and it is less able to drive the starter and the ignition and everything else that is switched on.
Low cranking speed is not good news for easy starting, for various reasons.
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Thanks all...
It got a new battery today from Halfords (old one still in warranty by 20 days, luckily), complete with a renewed warranty for another 4 years! You can't beat that!
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