Turn key, nothing happens. Flat battery?

[Simon]

I've gone to use the van just now and nothing happens when i turn the key and no electrics will turn on at all.

I did notice that the lights were dipped, but not on.

Do you think i have just simple ran the battery flat somehow?

If so do i need to befriend the neighbour with a car to give me a jump start then leave the car ticking over to recharge it?

Anything else i can do?

[Simon]

I'm assuming it's not fuse related as something would turn on when the key was in

Also, if i can get someone to hep me jump start it is there anything other tha  making sure it is also a 12v battery that i need to know. Does it have to be the same Amps as mine (265)?

[>>CHOP<<]

Hi it should jump off or it will push start ...if your not sure get the battery tested halfords do it for free if they think your going to buy a battery off them...get the best battery you can afford...test the alternator by putting a meter on the battery and starting the engine it should be about 12 volts stood and 14.4 volts when runnig...

[Dell Boy]

Sounds like the starter solenoid has gone "Open cicuit" & the battery power is going to earth through the starter which flattens the battery. This is a common Rascal fault. While someone turns the key tap the starter with a hammer & see what happens.
Derek.

[Simon]

Hi it should jump off or it will push start ...if your not sure get the battery tested halfords do it for free if they think your going to buy a battery off them...get the best battery you can afford...test the alternator by putting a meter on the battery and starting the engine it should be about 12 volts stood and 14.4 volts when runnig...

I can't do that as the engine won't start. Will it even push start if the battery is completely flat? I'll have to see if someone can give me a jump and then go for a drive to see if it charges the battery.

[Simon]

Sounds like the starter solenoid has gone "Open cicuit" & the battery power is going to earth through the starter which flattens the battery. This is a common Rascal fault. While someone turns the key tap the starter with a hammer & see what happens.
Derek.

I'm no techie. Where is the starter?

[>>CHOP<<]

it will push start or jump start.....or take the battery off and charge it up...get someone who knows a little to give you a hand...

[Simon]

So i just need to remove it from the van and charge it with something like this:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_210939_langId_-1_categoryId_165629#dtab

[Simon]

Handily i mentioned all this to someone at work and they have a charger they are going to bring in for me tomorrow

[>>CHOP<<]

ok simon ...keep us informed..

[Simon]

Sorry!

I'm just trying to build my confidence in fiddling with the van without a) breaking it, or b) killing myself.

[>>CHOP<<]

its ok simon ..we all gotta start somewhere...the first thing i reccomend is a owners workshop book..it has step by step guides ..and explains what and where things are ...its a helpfull thing if you dont even know where the starter motor is......get your head around it.....and then we will talk about nuts and bolts ...untill you build confidence up .. dont mess with the fuel system and make sure the engine is isolated from the battery before you stick your spanners in......one step at a time...

[J J 007]

everyone had to start somewhere,where are you in the country

[Simon]

South London. Once i get my battery sorted i am going to drive over to Delboy so he can fix my steering and hopefully give the van a once over.

This is my first car so it is a bit of a baptism of fire.

[OddballDave]

I can't do that as the engine won't start. Will it even push start if the battery is completely flat? I'll have to see if someone can give me a jump and then go for a drive to see if it charges the battery.
[/quote]

A battery starts life 'full' of electric.
As you start the van or use any electrical items you gradually 'empty' the battery, as you drive around then you refill the battery.

If you leave the battery too long, or only do short journeys then the battery will slowly be discharged.

If you empty the battery completely then you will not be able to start the van by push starting and possibly not even by jump starting.

If the battery has SOME charge then you can bump start.

The Amps on the battery is 'how big a bucket of electric' do you have.
The Voltage is the important bit, how 'fast' does the electric flow.

So just because my motorcycle uses a 6 amp battery I can jump start from my 380 Amp truck battery, because BOTH of them are 12 volt. I cannot use the works lorry because it is a 24Volt battery.

To answer your earlier question, yes the Halfords charger is suitable for your battery, assuming your battery is suitable for a Rascal <VGG>

I have a small solar panel from Maplins designed to 'top up' a car battery this means that I can leave the van unused for as long as I want and the battery is constantly topped up.
Course
YMMV
HTH

Dave