Lights flash, Dial needles flickering - car won't start!

Katie123 · Post by **Katie123** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:18 am

Hi there,

What's happening to my car!? I turned the key this morning and the needles on the dials starting flickering up & down with a binging noise? Also my headlights flickered (even though I hadn't switched them on). Also, bizarrely my date/time by the radio console reset itself to 00/00/00 00:00.

It hasn't liked the cold recently and it was -3 this morning, but this is the first time it wouldn't start. I had to get a jump start from my Husband's car.

Be grateful for any help/advice
Katie

206 1.4 Hdi 2002

Post by **GrandadMonkey** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 1:51 am

Sounds as if a new battery is called for.

Katie123 · Post by **Katie123** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 1:49 pm

I started it ok this morning (but it was a balmy +4!). A guy at work has just checked the battery voltage, after it's been standing for 7hrs, and it's 12.4v.

I have noticed a headlight bulb has gone, so not sure if that could have shorted something or it was just very cold?

Thanks
Katie

Post by **GrandadMonkey** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:54 pm

May be. Try a new bulb in it. How old is the battery?

Katie123 · Post by **Katie123** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:11 am

8years old (again started fine this morning, +3)

Post by **GrandadMonkey** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:08 pm

If it plays up again on a really cold morning I'd treat it to a brand new battery Katie. At 8 years old your existing one has already done very well. Get the correct one for the car as it will fit properly. Some are not as tall.

There are some tips in the owners handbook.

Ron