Just been talking to eogbaker about this one. Even though I've got a new battery, after 2 days of not using the car, it feels as if it only just manages to turn over. I know its cold, but late last year I left my car SORN'd for at least 2 months and it started first time afterward.

I don't *think* its the alternator, as after a 10-15min drive, if I go to the shops etc, I come back to the car and it turns over quickly, so looks like the battery is being charged.

That said, I don't know how much of a difference things like the rear heated window or blower fan should make, but the interior light does dim noticeably when either are turned on (with the engine running).

Main thing though - when I start the car, after releasing the key I often get a nasty sounding noise that sounds like the starter isn't disengaging properly. I heard it on someones video ages ago when they demoed a smoking issue and assumed it was normal.

Could my starter be on its way out?

I wouldn't worry about the starter motor. The video you mentioned was mine before i took that engine out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sB682F5HPw

Ah yeah. Hmm, if I manage to get my multimeter from home I'll start looking for a draw on the battery and test the alternator. And bring the battery charger as well

Video may also have been mine



I think it is just that - the motor not disengaging properly. I've heard a few BAs do it, don't think it's a major problem really.

Loving the bit rate on that video there Hughie

Well all you peasants just can't afford a camera like me

I got the same.. Some mornings it doesn't make that nasty noise and somthimes it does.
Well ive put a new battery in my BA 2 days ago.. Looks like its less now.
Cause with the old battery the starter turned over so slow

Mmm well I've come to the conclusion that is normal, at least normal for the BA. My battery is still getting quite discharged even though it hasn't been that cold in the past few days and I've been using the car... and it's a new battery.

Cheap crappy multimeter has started giving me funny readings so once I've acquired another one I'll test the alternator and see if I have any draws that shouldn't be there. Should have a jump start thing at Christmas so tbh, unless it starts dying overnight again, I'm not massively worried.

Nick, start the car, then once it's warmed a bit, disconnect the negative battery terminal while it's running. If the car continues running totally fine, your alternator is fine. Battery warning light shouldn't even come on

I like this plan

I'll give that a go tomorrow. May need your advice on a knocking sound from the rear which I'm beginning to think isn't my boot trim.... but that's another day