Battery died while driving!

[saleemrafiq1]

Hi guys

So today and yesterday my engine has been making a background whining noise throughout whether idle or driving.

I drove to a nearby location tonight and lots of the dash lights started coming on (and going off). Including the handbrake light, engine light, etc.

I left the engine turned on but the car lost all power.

When I tried to turn the engine on it just clicked, a few lights came on, but nothing else happened.

We managed to jump start it and get it home.

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My question is: is it just a new battery that I need?

 

[freddofrog]

sounds like the alternator, or maybe the belt (there is a shorter-belt mod on here somewhere, check out if the mod has been done)

out of interest, how old is the battery (if you don't know, there should be a date sticker on it somewhere)

 

[saleemrafiq1]

So it started fine first time this morning but then when I turned it off and tried again it won't start.

The battery has been in for four years.

Also the engine oil is a tiny bit low (just at or below the low mark indicator).

What would be the correct approach for fixing this/diagnosis? New battery (because it's quite old) and belt (cheaper) and then if that doesn't work then new alternator?

 

[edgeoftime]

The alternator sounds you get indicate a problem with that, or the clutch pulley, or the belt is slack? either way you are not charging, try a voltmeter on the battery, should be about 12.6 at rest and 14.5 when running. This should help?

http://typeaccord.co.uk/forum/topic/11712-7th-gen-new-aux-belt-alternator-diy/

 

[saleemrafiq1]

Hi guys, taking it to the mechanic tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it goes.