Car won't start

[Simon Tang]

Yesterday I experienced my first breakdown since purchased the Ghibli over 2 years ago, upon open the doors I noticed the dashboard flickers with lights flashing and the message “key fob not recognised”, then upon pressing the start button there is clicking sound and engine does not turn over. Replaced the battery on the key but still does not work.

Is it a likely to be a battery issue? Car always starts even with up to a month between uses. I hope nothing too serious as the CPO warranty expired last month…

 

[profchristopher-green]

What was battery voltage with multimeter? 12.4 to 12.6 is normal 12.2 volts could be 50% discharged and heading for or in trouble- 12v you prob will be in trouble ! Not the right way to do it i Know it but indicative.

Clicking can be the starter motor not getting enough juice or earth problems.

Did you try jumping with another battery in parallel?

First thing is to charge the battery right up and or jump leads and see what happens. Remember with jump leads leave a little while for batteries to “communicate”.

[Graham Wood]

Sounds like the battery in the first instance. How old is the battery (is it still the original and how old is the car)?

Follow Chris’s advice, make sure you have a decent of jump leads though.

I have a Suaoki U28 jump starter I carry around which will start upto an 8l petrol engine/6l diesel engine. It has been used successfully a number of times (even in a Eurotunnel queue helping a guy with his 5.4l E55 Merc – he was rather surprised my video cassette sized device started his car!!). There are probably newer/better ones available now.

[Graham Wood]

Hi Simon,

Any update as to how you got on?

[Author]

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