03 Megane 1.5dci wont start

[Ian75]

Hi all, first post on the forums. When i tried to start my car this evening some very strange things happened! I opened the car via the card button as normal. When i pressed the start button, the engine didn't attempt to start. Instead the dashboard lights all started flashing and then went dead. Then it sounded like all the door locks were clicking very fast and the start button and card slot lights were kind of pulsing. At this point nothing seemed to work at all such as pressing the lock or unlock buttons on my card, the ignition button didn't do anything and the door locks continued to 'click' really fast. I disconnected the battery for fear of the door locks running it flat and called the AA. He came out and managed to start the car with jump leads. He told me the battery was flat and that driving it home should recharge it.

When driving it home (25 miles) I turned on my full beam after about 20 miles and this seemed to cause the power to cut and in out for about 30 seconds. During this time the rev dial dropped to zero and I could feel the power steering loosing power for a split second every few seconds. After 30 seconds the power seemed to be restored and the rev dial restored itself. I also noticed that pressing the electric window button or turning on the blower caused the headlights to dim.

When I got it home i turned off the engine and tried to restart it and again all i got was flashing dash lights for about 10 seconds and no engine start. I also noticed the red immobiliser light was flashing really fast. No door locks clicking this time though. After rapidly pressing the lock button on the card for about a minute i heard the central locking just about work and the car was locked.

I'm thinking of changing the battery today but I am fearful it will just run flat. Should I take it straight to a renault garage or does anyone think its just a dead battery?

[pw981]

Hi there Ian75,

It is definitely a dead battery, a new battery will cure it. I had very similar symptoms and the same advice from the AA!

[AlexB]

The garage will replace the battery anyway, probably with the cheapest brand at a premium price.

Yes, it sounds like a dead battery. Other options include something which drains current when parked (the computer is supposed to switch everything off) and faulty alternator.

[H-M3]

That sounds more like an alternator issue. not charging the battery. If you drive your car for 25 miles then the battery should have some life in it. And where u said the lights dim when you operate any elecs that is a clear sign. Just take to a battery specialist and get them to check the alternator and battery at the same time.

hth

[Ian75]

Thanks for the advice, I did replace the battery today and all seems well at the moment. I noticed a definate acidy smell coming from the old battery when i removed it. Good idea about getting the alternator checked out, i was thinking that also. One thing i did notice was it seems the immobileser kicks in when trying to start the car with a dead battery, I think this was getting me confused and explains all the flashing dash lights I was getting! Once again cheers for the advice everyone.