Car wont start after standing for ONE YEAR

[vipag]

Sorry to post -i'm sure the info i need is in here somewhere - but can't find it via search!

Anyway, have an 02 Leon Cupra 20v turbo, been standing over 1yr. Battery (obviously) dead, but seemed to have taken a charge ok (gauges, interior lights etc ok) - quarter tank of fuel (still enough octain enough to fire i'd think?).

Fuel pump seems to be ok (i think) - but nothing - any ideas???

SORRY - doesn't even turn off - just a "dead" sound, slight click - no turning over

Please!

thanks in advance

Adrian

 

[Mike R]

does it try and turn over or is it just completly dead?

 

[vipag]

doesn't turn over

SORRY - doesn't even turn off - just a "dead" sound, slight click - no turning over

 

[leon cupra r]

you sure the battery is charged fully? interior lights etc don't need anywhere near the currents drawn by starter motor....

I'd have a pair of jump leads on it from another car while youre trying to crank it to make sure its not just a flat battery problem before starting to look for other problems

 

[Mike R]

Yeh i would say your battery has not got enough charge, get a volt meter on it or try it on another car and then it if works that can be eliminated

 

[Pyro]

Get a voltmeter on the battery and see what it drops to when you turn the key it should go to about 11 any lower and you need a new one just because it's charged to 13 ect don't mean it will hold it on start up

 

[LEE69]

Battery is knackered, try jumping it off another car, or try a spare battery.

 

[dalegolf215]

or a stuck starter motor ?

 

[UncleFester]

For starters - drain the tank, your petrol will be water by now. If you've pulled t hat crap into the fuel filter, that may also want replacing.

As above, a new battery too.

I'd consider changing the oil and filter whilst you're at it.

 

[Slimy]

I'd also possibly look into removing the spark plugs and checking the engine will turn over by hand. Or if you can't get a tool on to the crankshaft, put it in gear and roll it back and forth a bit, just to see if things move.

It is suggested that fuel loses an octane point every couple of days or so, it is very unlikely that what you have in the tank will burn, let alone run a Cupra. As a guide, if my bike is left standing for more than a month I look at draining the tank and putting fresh in.

When you turn the key, do the lights dim? If they don't, that means the solenoid is not even operating. If it goes click and the lights dim, then either there is not enough juice to turn the starter motor, or the starter motor is refusing to move.

If you do get it started, let it run for five minutes until it gets warm, then do an oil change. It will be useless sludge by now.

 

[vipag]

Thanks

It was a fault battery charger in the end - wasn't putting a charge into the battery, even after 48 hrs - new charger, 8 hr charge, and started fine.

Other comments / suggestions taken on-board - thanks to all

Adrian

(now just to get the radio to stop saying "CODE" all the time...)

 

[MrBen2k7]

You'll need the radio code in the log book.

New oil and filters. Coolant too may need replacing?

Let it warm up, then give it some to clear out any crap!

 

[UncleFester]

It was a fault battery charger in the end - wasn't putting a charge into the battery, even after 48 hrs - new charger, 8 hr charge, and started fine.

Other comments / suggestions taken on-board - thanks to all

Adrian

(now just to get the radio to stop saying "CODE" all the time...)

If you dont put fresh petrol in, you run the risk of burning petrol that won't burn properly, damage to head and valves etc.