Ignition / starting problem

[Nasar k]

I have a 1982 380 SL , the problem I have is that the car does not seem to retain battery charge, recently I charged the battery and went for a half hour drive, on my return when I restarted the car and put it in reverse it seemed to stall. Then it would not start again. The starter motor ticks over when I turn the key but does not start the car (Lights remain on full power, radio turns on and electric windows still work). I am wondering if it is 1) a problem with the battery (the indicator on the battery states that it is still fully charged) 2) a wiring fault relating to imobiliser / stereo or 3) bad terminal conncetions?
Does anyone have similar experience, if so please help!
Thanks

 

[kid-jensen]

Nasar,

Before you try to turn the engine over, switch on your headlights and point them at something like a wall or garage door. Turn the key and look for the lights dimming.
If they dim a bit, the battery connections and battery are probably ok. If the almost go out, the battery connections (all the way to the starter motor) are suspect. If the lights dim slightly, it turns over ok, but still doesn't start, there's something else wrong.
Start by seeing if there's a spark, then check the immobiliser........

 

[Parrot of Doom]

How old is the battery? Even a fully charged battery can be at the end of its life.

First thing to check, take it to a battery place and have them test it. Voltage is not an indicator of health.

 

[Nasar k]

Thank you both (parrot of doom , paul g ) for your help. The car is now working well but now I have another problem the smell of fuel in the car when driving.