hi guys, im new ere, and really am in need of help...

last night i went to swap my current car for an H reg fairlady Z, the guy told me it was running in good order etc, but... may need a better battery, i went to take the car home, and didnt even get out of his street, as soon as i put the headlights on, it died and wouldnt start, when jump started, it started straight away, then when i applied the breaks... the car died again, all the while the "power" light was fluttering. im assuming the battery is knackered, and possibly alternator too.

but if anybody can shed some light and tell me there could be a bigger problem i would b greatly thankful.

thanks guys, shaun

:thumbup1:

The alternator is not charging the battery it seems to me, check fan belt is not loose or goosed.

Battery could not be taking or holding any charge but I think this unlikely.

so u think its an alternator problem then buddy??

more than likey the alternator drive belt loose ....check that first...however if the battery has been that flat in the past then the chances are one or more of the cells are buckled .....in which case a new battery also ....

thanks steve, so its not a major problem then.... phew! just i was thinking he trying to pass on a bucket. engine sounds nice, no knocking etc, but as driving down his street it was a bit juddery...?

Welcome to the club, i hope you enjoy your new zed.

 

With any older car i replace the battery with a new one, peace of mind.

But you need to check with a multimeter the output of the alternator. You might have corroded terminals on the plug to the unit or power steering fluid leaked into the top of it.

And as mentioned check the tension and condition of the belt.

 

You might find if its been sat a while, a few issues that will need sorting.

Edited February 25, 201114 yr by groover

thank you groover. i really want the car, but i need it to be a good runner as i live 30 mile from work. and this guy never mentioned it in his ad :(

Welcome to the club buddy, get some pics up of your Z when you can, also a piece of advice, you may want to subscribe to the club, it's the best £20.00 I have spent, and you will get it and more back in the benefits it brings, everyone on here is so helpful and will advise on any issues........Cheers mate......:thumbup1::thumbup1:

lol, cheers 666, i will subscibe next week, i havnt taken the zx as yet because the current owner wanted me to drive to leeds (which i did) then drive it home even tho with lights on, the car cut out then had to be jumped off each time?!?!?!?

My MX5 was showing the exact symptoms as you explain - the fan belt was completely shot at and was charging when it felt like it, when it wasn't the car would die when brakes were touched or other draw from the electrics :biggrin:

right!! cheers buddy, best get pricing up then aint i

Welcome to the forum mate look forward to pics as said check belts, alternator and battery the spark plugs could prob do with being replaced and an oil change to if its been standing for a while