Help please, the engine doesn't start. C180, Elegence, 1996

[merc77merc]

The car doesn't start. It hardly makes any noise when I turn the key. Yesterday after few attempts I can hear the starter turning very slowly. I charged the battery overnight but still no change. The lights are working OK. Is this a battery problem or something in the engine. Thanks

 

[Cole@MBS]

Sounds like a battery fault, have you tested the battery voltage??

 

[merc77merc]

Thanks.

How can I check for the charge? Don't have any instruments.

 

[television]

You need to check the voltage as the engine is trying to crank

 

[merc77merc]

Thanks.

What would I do if the voltage is low. Can I add water or acid to the battery or it needs changing.

 

[television]

The battery could be past its sell by date, and need to be replaced.

A cheap meter only cost £4

Do check the condition of the engine and battery earth straps

 

[Miffy]

a timely reminder to beware of trying to jump start your car and making things worse.

 

[ALFIEBEARD]

Hi turn on the headlights, then try to start the car, do the lights go very dim?, if yes its either a bad connection or the batterys knackered, if they dont dim its probably the starter solenoid or starter brushes/motor.
as above though the proper test would be to measure the battery voltage.

hope this helps

Alfie B

 

[merc77merc]

Thanks everybody.

I will get a meter.

 

[brianbrian]

Push it down to the garage and let them test it.