Battery problem - 1999 Astra

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Sat 14 Jan 2006 13:10
Battery problem - 1999 Astra - John1978
My Astra (1999 1.6) has been off the road for 8 weeks being repaired following a minor accident. After getting it back on Wednesday I drove it to and from work on Thursday and Friday. Each time I've started it it's taken a while to get started, a couple of times the alarm has gone off in the process, and each time the radio has displayed 'safe' and refused to go on (after RTFM I've entered the code and got it to work, but have to do this each time I start the engine). The information display also tells me it's 00.00 on 01.01.1997!

The first time I thought the battery was simply a bit flat after its time off the road. However each time I've driven it to work I've started it again in the car park to see if the run has helped it but the same problems occur.

The accident was on the near-side front corner and I suppose it's possible the battery was damaged or somehow 'upset' during the accident but it seems like a long shot.

Is the battery on the way out? Given that I've never had any battery problems before the accident or the repairs, could it have been caused by either the accident or the 8 weeks off the road? If so could I perhaps claim a new battery from the guy's insurance company?

Cheers, John
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Sat 14 Jan 2006 13:21
Battery problem - bell boy
it could well be the battery but also there are a lot of relays at the side of the battery and any one of these may be damaged.I suggest you go back to the fixer and get them to log your concern and take it from there.
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Sat 14 Jan 2006 13:24
Battery problem - Screwloose
John

It's very possible that the battery was damaged by the impact. Remove and clean the battery terminals to eliminate the possibility of a corroded terminal, then try and start the car five times with the coilpack unplugged. [Yes, I know; the cat etc...]

If the battery fails to crank it briskly those five times, then it may well have cell damage and needs a test and report from a competant professional. [Not some kid in a Quick fit!]

Then you can contact the repairer with some firm evidence of your claim.
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Sat 14 Jan 2006 13:27
Battery problem - Altea Ego
Its more likely to be that the repairers have failed to replace earth straps or feed wires.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Sat 14 Jan 2006 15:42
Battery problem - Dave N
If the battery has been left discharged for 8 weeks, then it will be knackered. Unlike NiCads, lead acid batteries shouldn't be left flat.
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