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        General >> Problems >> flickety flick
        
(Message started by: derekne on Apr 16^th, 2005, 12:42am)

Title: flickety flick
Post by derekne on Apr 16^th, 2005, 12:42am

Hello
It looks like my pointers are all flicking almost every time I start the car. All pointers go to max then back to zero. This happens about 8 in every 10 times I turn the key.
Looks like its going to be a battery replacement before long :(

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by craig on Apr 16^th, 2005, 6:52am

[]
looks like you have diagnosed your own problem,a new battery is indeed needed,if you can go the extra mile get a ford one,little bit more expensive,but ask paulb what happens when you opt for the cheaper one....

HTH

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by Paul B on Apr 16^th, 2005, 9:39am

[] too!

Do it today... get that battey replaced.

And if you can stretch that extra bit, go for the larger version of the Ford battery (71a/h). I had a lesser version from Halfords (even though it was their top of the range one (60a/h)) and had no end of trouble with it. Basically it failed on me. OK they replaced it, but it happened again, and then again. Ever since splashing out on the Ford one, I've had no problem.

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by admin on Apr 16^th, 2005, 1:16pm

Absolutely correct. I had exactly the same problem with three Halfords batts. Get the FMC highest capacity one.

Here are the details and some tips on how to do the change.

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/battery.htm

Pete

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by nodge on Apr 16^th, 2005, 6:11pm

I stand to be corrected here, but as soon as anyone mentions the needles flicking over when starting everyone shouts get a new battery. I believe this simply indicates that the battery is at a low state of charge. I've been getting this symptom for the best part of a year now but I only do about 30 miles a week which is probably not enough to keep the battery charged up. If I put the battery on charge or go for a long run then the problem stops for a month or so.

I think the best approach is to check the battery fluid is at the correct levels and to put the battery on charge overnight. If this doesn't cure the problem then consider getting a new battery.

Nodge

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by Eric_R on Apr 16^th, 2005, 6:22pm

Nodge,
We immediately say - 'Get a new battery' because our experience says that one will be needed soon. If you delay it, the car may fail to start when you really need it - like a cold early morning. In the meantime, you'll continually have to keep resetting the trip computer, the OBD diagnostics may not be working so a DTC may not be recorded and you may start losing the Climate Control settings.
Modern batteries are 'sealed for life' and shouldn't need topping up - low electrolyte in any cell normally means that the battery is shot anyway.
It can also be caused by a faulty alternator - but 50-to-1 it's the battery. ;)
The symptom can also be caused by faulty Arnitel wiring in the main loom - but that's 1000-1.

One member ran his car for over a year without changing the battery - but it let him down eventually.

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by nodge on Apr 16^th, 2005, 9:06pm

Eric,
I'm sure that 9 times out of 10 it is the battery. I just think it might be worth asking if there is a valid reason why the battery could be low on charge. For example , the car could have been left standing for a few months, or just driven very little as in my case. Most car accessory shops will test your battery for free anyway so why not get it checked out before rushing out to buy a new one? My battery isn't sealed by the way. Probably an indication of how old it is.

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by derekne on Apr 18^th, 2005, 9:11pm

Hello,
I drive very high miles. Mainly due to my partners family comes from scotland. 160miles away. I oftern do that trip. The car is always used daily at the very min 30 miles a day.
I will get the batery tested.
Thanks guys.
PS
Does this mean the car is always learning its settings. So the odd hickup now and then could now be normal?

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by scorpio_man on Apr 18^th, 2005, 9:20pm

hi there

depending on how low the voltage drop is, then yes.
we've found a dodgy battery can turn the engine fine, but it'll never start!

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by derekne on Apr 19^th, 2005, 12:58pm

Hello guys how much did it cost for a 60/ah battery?

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by derekne on Jun 4^th, 2005, 12:10am

very heavy duty 71/A Battery costed £45.00
Im told these mothers go into transit vans.
Thats the one I bought.
The make is a FIAMM ........."ORIGINAL SYSTEM"
Part number is 095FS
The weight is a woping 17.4 kg :o
It also says maintanance free on it which has me curious.
As the d**n thing isnt sealed. So it can still be topped up I guess. It has the round turning chambers. On the top like the last one. :-/
Regards......
Derek

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by Scorpioen84 on Jun 4^th, 2005, 3:13pm

whitch reminds me, battery + conection has corroded....

Ive heard hot clean HOT water works great, no soap... Can Anyone Confirm.?

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by Paul B on Jun 4^th, 2005, 3:53pm

on 06/04/05 at 00:10:48, derekne wrote:

very heavy duty 71/A Battery costed £45.00

Erm.... that was cheap :o

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by mr._floppy on Jun 4^th, 2005, 4:53pm

Yes, we are talking about The Ford Motor Company aren't we ?

45 smackers is very cheap for the top range heavy duty battery.

Can you direct me to the dealer?

Title: Re: flickety flick
Post by sad_eyes on Jun 6^th, 2005, 10:38am

Me too I paid almost £100 for my Ford replacement.