Won't Start

[cadrus]

My 54 plate Citroen C3 won't start and only clicks when you turn the ignition, also the battery indicator is flashing indicating it's gone into Eco mode. I have tried jump starting it using my wife's car but no luck, before I go and buy a new battery I need to try to rule out any other problems first, any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Do not worry about eco mode, it is just a Citroen/Peugeot thing that shuts off a few things like the radio and internal lights if they or a door is open for some time in an effort to stop the battery going flat. Once the engine runs it will clear the message.

 

Check the battery voltage using a meter, it should be about 12.5 volts or more without the engine running, below about 12.3 volts and it is flat and may recover if charged. Much below about 12 volts and it probably needs replacing. If the voltage is ok, check its connections and the wiring to the starter motor and the earth wire to the gearbox, just in case these are reducing the voltage reaching the starter when trying to start the engine. Also if the battery is ok, it could be the starter motor that is at fault such as worn brushes on the armature or the solenoid contact may be faulty. I have assumed the clicking noise is the solenoid on the starter motor showing that the ignition switch is ok.

 

You often find batteries fail in cold weather and last time I bought a new one in a December at a eurocarparts store, there were a few other people doing the same. If you can not jump start the car though it may suggest the battery is not the problem.