New car batteries keep going flat?
Oct 23rd 2009, 6:20 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 39
New car batteries keep going flat?
I am just baffled, my car has gone flat on me on two occasions today, I bought it brand new (Hyundai Tucson) only 12 months ago... is this normal? I am going to try calling the dealership tomorrow and just wanted to know if I have an argument.. I don't have breakdown cover on my insurance either and its not sparking up again ( currently in my apartment car park). 
Oct 23rd 2009, 7:10 pm
#2
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
I am just baffled, my car has gone flat on me on two occasions today, I bought it brand new (Hyundai Tucson) only 12 months ago... is this normal? I am going to try calling the dealership tomorrow and just wanted to know if I have an argument.. I don't have breakdown cover on my insurance either and its not sparking up again ( currently in my apartment car park).
Oct 23rd 2009, 7:35 pm
#3
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
or the alternator...
Oct 24th 2009, 3:42 am
#5
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Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
If the alternator ain't warranted, replace battery and keep the original for a couple weeks to see what happens, still dud, it's the alternator and return the battery...what my local garage suggested I do when I had the same issue....turned out to be dead battery....but when did they get so pricey? $150 was a laugh...one before I got was only $55
Oct 24th 2009, 4:03 am
#6
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
true, but even so, 12 months is taking the mick...alternator should be warrantied, battery probably not...
If the alternator ain't warranted, replace battery and keep the original for a couple weeks to see what happens, still dud, it's the alternator and return the battery...what my local garage suggested I do when I had the same issue....turned out to be dead battery....but when did they get so pricey? $150 was a laugh...one before I got was only $55
If the alternator ain't warranted, replace battery and keep the original for a couple weeks to see what happens, still dud, it's the alternator and return the battery...what my local garage suggested I do when I had the same issue....turned out to be dead battery....but when did they get so pricey? $150 was a laugh...one before I got was only $55
Oct 24th 2009, 6:27 am
#8
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Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Far from home!
Posts: 1,024
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
I am just baffled, my car has gone flat on me on two occasions today, I bought it brand new (Hyundai Tucson) only 12 months ago... is this normal? I am going to try calling the dealership tomorrow and just wanted to know if I have an argument.. I don't have breakdown cover on my insurance either and its not sparking up again ( currently in my apartment car park).
1. Dive right in and replace the battery for 150-200 Dhms. May not be the fault though!
2. Get someone to take off the +ve terminal from the battery and with nothing switched on get a DC current meter and put in series with the +ve lead and the battery and see if anything is drawing current which shouldnt happen if ignition is off and no lights on..all doors shut for example.
I know you wont have a meter but that could be the fault.
3. If the alternator has failed there should be a red light on the instrument panel showing when the engine is running. I know you now have a flat battery so you need a friend or someone with jump leads to get you started so you can check if the red warning light is on to show the alternator is not charging!
Or get a garage to help.
Good luck!
Jim.
Oct 24th 2009, 7:24 am
#9
Concierge
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 29,625
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
As someone said batteries dont last more than 18 months here, especially the cheaper asian ones. However I guess you have 3 choices.
1. Dive right in and replace the battery for 150-200 Dhms. May not be the fault though!
2. Get someone to take off the +ve terminal from the battery and with nothing switched on get a DC current meter and put in series with the +ve lead and the battery and see if anything is drawing current which shouldnt happen if ignition is off and no lights on..all doors shut for example.
I know you wont have a meter but that could be the fault.
3. If the alternator has failed there should be a red light on the instrument panel showing when the engine is running. I know you now have a flat battery so you need a friend or someone with jump leads to get you started so you can check if the red warning light is on to show the alternator is not charging!
Or get a garage to help.
Good luck!
Jim.
1. Dive right in and replace the battery for 150-200 Dhms. May not be the fault though!
2. Get someone to take off the +ve terminal from the battery and with nothing switched on get a DC current meter and put in series with the +ve lead and the battery and see if anything is drawing current which shouldnt happen if ignition is off and no lights on..all doors shut for example.
I know you wont have a meter but that could be the fault.
3. If the alternator has failed there should be a red light on the instrument panel showing when the engine is running. I know you now have a flat battery so you need a friend or someone with jump leads to get you started so you can check if the red warning light is on to show the alternator is not charging!
Or get a garage to help.
Good luck!
Jim.
Oct 24th 2009, 7:29 am
#10
If I have to explain...
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Where ever the road takes me
Posts: 3,999
Re: New car batteries keep going flat?
...or get a car that won't leave you "Hy un Drai".
