Little bit of help in Birmingham

[crabman]

Before I call in a mobile mechanic , does anyone local to Selly Park area south Birmingham , have a multi-meter thingy and know how to use it ?

Fronty failed to start today , engine not turning over , battery gauge goes up to first mark and dips when ignition turned all the way , not missed a beat up till now in this weather .(battery was new this time last year)
According to the Haynes manual this may indicate starter motor failure ?
Apologies if this is in the wrong area .

Typically I was just getting ready to type up a little report to add to my members rides thread ,on my first year of Fronty ownership , and how cheap and fun the years motoring had been , doh .

[Alfie]

Possible stuck starter motor, duff alternator not charging or a dead battery caused by the cold.I suspect a dead battery. Take it off, charge it up or try a jump start from another car.Heavy snow here at the moment. So not going out to play.............. too cold.Pm me if that doesnt work.

[john (smifffy)]

have you tied getting a jump start as cold might of killed battery

i went out to a corsa 3 months old and battery was dead used power pack and it started straight away

[crabman]

Thanks for the replies , will have to wait till to tommorrow now , just taking a deep breath and a step back for the moment , will try a jump start tommorrow , hopefully just a battery issue as the way the weather forecast looks I will need The fronty Monday to make sure my Daughter gets to her Exams .

[jason]

Hi

It sound like the starter motor has gone, you can get it repaired, i have just had mine done cost £40 to have it done chap in soilhull dose them
If your battery has gone you should still have warranty on it if you brought it this time last year.
I doubt its the alternator as you would no when driving it

JAY

[bigdazz]

sound like starter motor problem hit it with a hammer a few times[ recon for about 35 ,40 pounds ]

battery might be flat due to cold try a jump start if it does not turn over or you get a clicking nose its your starter my friend

also check earth going to starter to make sure its on tight

[crabman]

All is well in the world , managed to jump start the Fronty , replaced the battery , so at least its not the starter motor , how can I test whether the alternator is working ? If I purchase a multi-meter could someone talk me through how to use one ?

[john (smifffy)]

[Drift]

Even Halfords will do a free battery check

[jason]

Well done mate
I got one off these easy to use http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12v-Battery-Alter ... 3ca7495e80
I have also have multimeter but its a bit to technical for me

[bigdazz]