Steve Warman Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Hi, During last weekends wet weather I needed to be recovered whilst out and about in my 90. I know we went through some quite deep puddles on the roads but not really wadding depth, I don't believe. The 90 kept going till we got to our next destination but wouldn't start again when we came out. There was nothing from anything, no clicking, no lights, so after some investigation I figured some water had got into the battery compartment Got recovered to the house and took the battery out to charge up and the components to dry off. Been out there today to see if I can get it going again and no joy. I have the following symptoms and any advice on what to do to get it running again would be thankfully received The battery light comes on when the key is turned to the first stop, as normal. Turn the key to the starting position and there is a single click and the lights all go out. I then need to give it a moment before I can get the me reaction. Without that pause I have nothing again. Having a search around it sounds like the starter has gone, or at least the solenoid but how do I confirm that or at least check to see what else it could be? This is on a 90 2.5l petrol Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason110 Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 I would have a look at the earthing wires underneath, check from the starter motor to the body first. You can always take the starter motor off and stick a battery across the terminals to see if it turns over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve b Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 If you are losing all the dash lights on start it suggests a bad connection either at the starter batt +ve which also has the vehicle live feeds or a dodgy/loose earth , or a dead cell in the batt. hth Steveb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Warman Posted February 17, 2013 Author Share Posted February 17, 2013 Thanks, I'll have another look at the connections on the starter and see if any of them are a bit duff. I had a wiggle earlier and couldn't see anything loose but it looks like a need to get in there and check them all out properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespanner Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Starter dog probably stuck to the shaft it slides on. Take it off and WD it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Warman Posted February 17, 2013 Author Share Posted February 17, 2013 After some persuasion from my mains starter and charger I'm beginning to think the battery is gone. I set it to jump start and it all started so now I've put it back on charge but I think I need a new one. Thanks all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackmac Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Sure it's not the alternator that has got dirty water into it, stopping the battery from charging when you were driving? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Warman Posted February 18, 2013 Author Share Posted February 18, 2013 Hi jackmac, It may well be the case. Once it started the first time with the starter it started again. The alternator may still be an issue but my initial worries about it being seized up seem to be sorted. Is there any way to waterproof an alternator? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Smith Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 I've never hurt an alternator by wading, but I see it could happen. Easy to test now you have it running, just stick a voltmeter on the battery and check that it rises with the engine running, can't remember what it should be but 14.5 volts rings a bell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Warman Posted February 18, 2013 Author Share Posted February 18, 2013 I'll check it later on when the battery's had a chance to charge up. I'm thinking of putting a Numax in after some more searching on the forum I've had doubts over this battery for a while anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discomark10 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 check the voltage when off, it should be around 12v, then once in running it should be above 13.5v Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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