we have a liteace fxv e reg. we had problems after about a week with the thing not starting. we went to halfords, (i know but was the only place open on a sunday near us!) and bought a new battery as they said the one we had would struggle to start a 1.5 car. (obviously needed to top up his commission!) anyway bought this £60 battery and seemed to have no probs. then it started, if we leave the van all day and night and start it in the morning it starts first time. my wife drives about 8 miles to work, leaves it parked, (remembering the little black button) for about 8 hours and then tries starting it to come home. nothing! if we jump start it then it is fine. i have tested the voltage and found if it doesn't read more than about 12.75v it wont start, the thing is we are on a very low wage, need a car for our 4 boys and can't afford to get it fixed. (also the brake pad on the front righthand side have just worn away and we gotta replace them both of course, so more expense, btw where can i get some for our local garage to fit?) any ideas as to why we can start it after it has been sitting doing nothing, but not if we have run it? surely the normal thing would be if it has been doing nothing, and there was a drain somewhere it wouldn't start? not after it has been running for about 8 miles, surely that charges it? help! :-?

- (#1833) Spider, 15 Jun 05 20:06

12.75v- is that engine off or running? If it's running you aint charging. If it's with the engine off, I'd check the battery terminals for corrosion or looseness.

Pads? From you local factors. And if one set wears faster, likely that you've got a partially seized caliper that needs freeing and lubeing...

- (#1833) David Miller, 15 Jun 05 22:48