Just went out to start the car . . . Getting an electric cackling sound, "CLACK, CLACK, CLACK, CLACK", then nothing. Just been out to try it again and the alarm went off when I unlocked the car then opened the door. Pressed the start button and it went off but still no ignition just a single "CLACK", and also noises from other electrics (seem to be tripping out). Does this sound like dying (or dead) battery?? Electrical fault? Side note : the last few months driving the 'ELECTRICAL FAULT' indicator has flashed up on the dash a few times. Any help would be much appreciated as its my every day car :-C Thanks.
Phew!!! Is it worth charging it do you think or straight replacement? I don't think the lights were left on or anything . . . If replace, anyone recommend a particular battery type or just whatever from Halfords? Thanks.
Ah hold on, a warning light flashed up whilst driving? That could indicate alternator, or possibly a loose connection? I'm not too sure to be honest. If it was me, the first thing I would be doing is jump starting the car to check it out.
sounds to me like an electrical fault (bad earth or loose connection maybe).... to make sure your alternator is doing its job test the battery when the car is running, if you get a reading of 14 - 14.4 volts then the alternator is working, anything less and get ready for a pricey replacement. Battery could also be at fault, depends how old it is really. You can always get the battery tested to. My car failed to start the other week but without any electrical fault warning lights, it turned out to be the original battery had given up so since replacing it all has been well. The Megane can be prone to electrical gremlins so my advice would be to get it checked out especially if you have the warning lights/message. Maybe do this before forking out for a new battery. Hope you get to the bottom of it
Thanks guys . . . managed to get it jump started. The battery definitely went dead (whether due to alternator/loose connection not sure yet) because all the computer settings were at zero. I drove it for a while to let it charge, then when I turned it off and tried to lock it a constant high pitched noise sounded like the alarm faltering. So I opened it and locked it again and it was fine?! This morning to my surprise it started again even though somewhat labored, although the computer settings were back at zero so makes me think the battery cut out again sometime during the night. Also a message came up on the dash after ignition; ASR SYSTEM OFF . . . ?? Think I will jump it again after work and take it to my mechanic to test. Fingers crossed for loose connection.
I had this problem with my old Megane, the high pitch sound when locking was a warning than you had a bad battery connection and it was struggling to central lock. I just tightened all the connections on the battery and it never happened again
^^^ Yep maybe that (cos the terminals were slightly loose) . . . whatever it was seems to have solved itself for now!
Yep that wad it for me, tightened them up amd didn't have a problem after that ... fingers crossed it's sorted for you as well
The exact same thing happened to mine today whilst at Tescos .... gave it a good charge and it's okay noe but will tighten all the terminals later just incase
