Failed to start after manual car wash

**IndusD4** · 30th May 2018, 04:57 PM

Took the car to a hand car wash today to have it cleaned inside out ready for sale. Picked it up and it didn't want to start, complained about AEB not available, ABS sensor issue and steering locked (but wasn't). The engine bay was not touched (at my request), but disconnected the battery and did a hard reset, reconnected it and still would not turn over. Just lots of clicking of relays. Reset all faults, still nothing. Battery voltage showing as 9.5v only - hardly enough to crank the engine over. Time to call LR assist who advised NRMA would attend in 60 minutes. Went off to get a coffee, back 20 minutes later and had another go at clearing faults.

Battery voltage according to the IIDtool was now 9.7v, tried to start but still nothing. Cleared the faults again and lo and behold, the crank turned a few notches and it started! With 9.7v in the battery? Cancelled LR assist/NRMA, drove home, checked the voltage again and was 13.7v as per IIDtool. So back to normal, but I might put the battery charger on overnight.

I can't decide if they kept the lights on and dropped the battery voltage that low or if some sensor got waterlogged while washing it. They had the car for 2 hours.

Ron

**Russrobe** · 30th May 2018, 05:51 PM

Ron you need a DMM on the battery to test voltage, can nearly guarantee they've left the ignition on and flattened the battery, driven it to the car park, and therefor didn't give it time to recharge. IID tool isn't a reliable source for voltage readings.

I've completely flattened mine within 30 minutes while doing a good clean. Even if they turned the ignition off, if they kept opening and closing doors for an hour that could have been all it takes.

**101RRS** · 30th May 2018, 05:59 PM

Classic flat battery - they simply left stuff on when doing the wash - most likely had the radio going flat out while drying and polishing while doors and internal lights on.

I had the same a few weeks back - left the cubby fridge and one light on - flat battery - enough to go click click click bit no actual start. NRMA fixed in two seconds when a friends hybrid honda would not jump start it - was tempted to connect to the Honda's drive battery but thought better of it - the normal starter battery would start its petrol engine but not my TDV6.

garry

**IndusD4** · 30th May 2018, 06:02 PM

Thanks, I will keep an eye on the battery and probably change it, i think it is 3 years old now.

Ron

**101RRS** · 30th May 2018, 06:34 PM

Why would you change the battery? Unlikely to be damaged being discharged to 9.7v and ultimately able to start your car.

To be sure just get a battery check an hour or two after being charged up.

**IndusD4** · 30th May 2018, 06:52 PM

The batteries I have used in the past don’t last much longer than 3 years and tend to struggle when it gets cold. The Varta I have now seems fine, I’ll see how it goes first.

Thanks
Ron

**101RRS** · 30th May 2018, 08:47 PM

My original battery lasted 9 years and was still capable of starting the car on a cold Canberra morning as long as the car fired first go - a lot lot colder than you.

If you now have a Varta you will be fine.

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