Car Won't Turn Over

[andyste1]

My wife tried to start her C3 not realising it was in gear. The car jumped forward then cut out, as they do. Now it won't turn over at all, no lights on the dash, although we were able to jump start it. Any idea what the problem might be? A mechanic friend thinks the car lurching forward might have caused a connection to come loose???

 

Thanks in advance

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Possibly a fuse has failed. Check the ones in the engine fuse box including the maxi fuses which are located under the top layer. If these are ok also check the ones in the dash fuse box.

[andyste1]

Just been to see it for myself and there are no electrics at all - not just no ignition, everything has gone - central locking, radio , the lot. A neighbour supposedly checked the fuses and reckons they are okay. Perhaps he didn't find the maxi fuses though, if they are hidden away? Will take a look myself.

[andyste1]

Also, when the ignition key is turned to the first position, there is a rapid clicking coming from the fuse box in the glove comp.

[coastline taxis]

If it starts as normal with a jump start then id be checkinhg the battery out first

[andyste1]

For anyone interested, we got a mobile electrician out, who said it was a knackered battery and fitted a new one. Car fine now. The guy couldn't explain why a perfectly healthy battery (which had never given us any problems) would be knackered by the car jolting/stalling when my wife tried to start it in gear. It's not like she was repeatedly trying to start the car - the electrics had died after that first stall.

[paul.h]

Thanks for the feedback, maybe the battery was already on its way out and it was a coincidence it failed when it did. You have not said how old the car is but I have found batteries seem to do about 7 years and fail quickly. If you had time to do some more checks you would have measured the battery voltage and not had to call out the auto electrician. At least with the new battery it should last a few years.