Broken down.... - Page 3

stevestrat · 19th November 2018, 17:26

The battery poles are conical, loosen the connectors first, give them and the battery poles a clean up then with a rubber mallet or bit of wood make sure the connectors are as far down as they'll go before trying to tighten them.

Dawn · 19th November 2018, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevestrat

The battery poles are conical, loosen the connectors first, give them and the battery poles a clean up then with a rubber mallet or bit of wood make sure the connectors are as far down as they'll go before trying to tighten them.

I don't think I explained myself very well. The connectors were loose on the battery, but the nut is not loose, it wont budge, so I can't untighten, or tighten. I did manage to free off the positive one after awhile, but negative is still frozen solid, won't undo, or tighten.

I've just done a spot of battery research and because of the history with the battery not being used, it could have "sulphated" so it will show full, but will not hold enough volts to crank. I hope against hope this is the problem! I can maybe get a neighbour to help me free the negative connector if we can get her going!

Comfortably Numb · 19th November 2018, 18:15

Here's an old "get you going" trick, Dawn. You need some thin aluminium sheet, a pie dish or Mr Kipling style cupcake dish, or takeaway. Failing that, folded turkey foil. Clean the battery terminal. Cut the foil into a 2" (50mm) circle, and press it down over the battery terminal, then push and tap the connector down over the top of it. Use minimal force to check it doesn't twist easily. That should give the necessary contact. NB. Fully charged batteries don't sulphate up, only if left discharged for a few days, the longer you leave them, the worse they get. Modern cars with fitted security constantly use a small amount of electricity, so if left for prolonged periods, should be connected to a modern smart charger, which will trickle in only the required maintenance charge. Old-style chargers, supplying a constant rate, will boil off the electrolyte. If you don't have a smart charger, it is best to remove the battery, fully charge it, then disconnect and leave off the vehicle until you need it. A good battery will not lose charge or condition if not connected to anything.

Organiser · 19th November 2018, 19:08

Dawn,

The battery terminals are loose because they have been over tightened, they need to be removed and there is a gap in the terminal side that has to be opened up with a flat bladed screwdriver! You then replace it back on the battery post and retighten it back up and do the same with the other one, do not over tighten them!!

You will need to hold the terminal that will not undo tight so it does not move as you try to undo the nut (you may need someone to hold it for you)!

Tom.

Dawn · 19th November 2018, 19:27

Hi Tom

I don"t understand how to open them up? Where do I put the screwdriver?

Dallas · 19th November 2018, 19:41

Dawn, Check the terminals/clamps to see if the bolt thread has worn, also check the two battery posts for wear/misshaped.

The terminals can wear and become damaged/loose which will cause your battery not get a charge, sometimes the battery posts can also wear, this happens when heavy handed folk over tighten the clamps.

You can buy battery post shims which will bulk the battery posts out some, or you can replace the terminal altogether, its quite easy.

patrolman pete · 19th November 2018, 19:43

Hi Dawn, find something to grip the battery lead firmly ie molegrips or an adjustable spanner just enough to allow you to loosen the 13mm nut. You then put the screwdriver in the gap of the clamp if required.

Organiser · 19th November 2018, 19:46

Dawn,

The terminal that you have taken off has a split in it, you need to look carefully and then you need to open the split up by forcing a flat blade screwdriver in the gap to open it up so it grips the post when you tighten it up. It will not grip the post unless there is a good size gap in it.

Tom.

Dorset Bob · 19th November 2018, 19:48

This might help

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d.php?t=239567

Arctic · 19th November 2018, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorset Bob

This might help

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d.php?t=239567

beat me to Bob

19th November 2018, 17:26	#21
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,481 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	The battery poles are conical, loosen the connectors first, give them and the battery poles a clean up then with a rubber mallet or bit of wood make sure the connectors are as far down as they'll go before trying to tighten them. __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

19th November 2018, 19:08	#24
Organiser I really should get out more....... ZT-T+180 Auto & ZT-T+1.8T in Trophy Blue, ZT-T CDTI+135 Auto in Ignition Blue, ZT-T+190 in Typhoon, Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Walsall Posts: 2,035 Thanks: 1,435 Thanked 600 Times in 467 Posts	Dawn, The battery terminals are loose because they have been over tightened, they need to be removed and there is a gap in the terminal side that has to be opened up with a flat bladed screwdriver! You then replace it back on the battery post and retighten it back up and do the same with the other one, do not over tighten them!! You will need to hold the terminal that will not undo tight so it does not move as you try to undo the nut (you may need someone to hold it for you)! Tom. __________________ Remember a Typhoon is for life not just Christmas! Now plus the Yellow Peril. Last edited by Organiser; 19th November 2018 at 19:10..

19th November 2018, 19:46	#28
Organiser I really should get out more....... ZT-T+180 Auto & ZT-T+1.8T in Trophy Blue, ZT-T CDTI+135 Auto in Ignition Blue, ZT-T+190 in Typhoon, Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Walsall Posts: 2,035 Thanks: 1,435 Thanked 600 Times in 467 Posts	Dawn, The terminal that you have taken off has a split in it, you need to look carefully and then you need to open the split up by forcing a flat blade screwdriver in the gap to open it up so it grips the post when you tighten it up. It will not grip the post unless there is a good size gap in it. Tom. __________________ Remember a Typhoon is for life not just Christmas! Now plus the Yellow Peril.

19th November 2018, 19:48	#29
Dorset Bob Senior Citizen Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur SE,Chrysler 300C,124 Spider, Daytona 955i,Honda XL250 & Royal Enfield 650GT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Kingdom of Wessex Posts: 6,976 Thanks: 2,391 Thanked 2,685 Times in 1,686 Posts	This might help https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d.php?t=239567 __________________ Let the good times roll............

19th November 2018, 18:15	#23
Comfortably Numb Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Penrith Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 165 Thanked 303 Times in 241 Posts	Here's an old "get you going" trick, Dawn. You need some thin aluminium sheet, a pie dish or Mr Kipling style cupcake dish, or takeaway. Failing that, folded turkey foil. Clean the battery terminal. Cut the foil into a 2" (50mm) circle, and press it down over the battery terminal, then push and tap the connector down over the top of it. Use minimal force to check it doesn't twist easily. That should give the necessary contact. NB. Fully charged batteries don't sulphate up, only if left discharged for a few days, the longer you leave them, the worse they get. Modern cars with fitted security constantly use a small amount of electricity, so if left for prolonged periods, should be connected to a modern smart charger, which will trickle in only the required maintenance charge. Old-style chargers, supplying a constant rate, will boil off the electrolyte. If you don't have a smart charger, it is best to remove the battery, fully charge it, then disconnect and leave off the vehicle until you need it. A good battery will not lose charge or condition if not connected to anything.

19th November 2018, 19:27	#25
Dawn I really should get out more....... MG ZT 180+ auto Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ilkeston, Derbys Posts: 2,743 Thanks: 285 Thanked 1,128 Times in 504 Posts	Hi Tom I don"t understand how to open them up? Where do I put the screwdriver?

19th November 2018, 19:41	#26
Dallas This is my second home 1979 Capri 1.6L, 1982 Capri 1.6L, 2016 Dacia Stepway Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dorset Posts: 8,595 Thanks: 3,496 Thanked 3,397 Times in 2,218 Posts	Dawn, Check the terminals/clamps to see if the bolt thread has worn, also check the two battery posts for wear/misshaped. The terminals can wear and become damaged/loose which will cause your battery not get a charge, sometimes the battery posts can also wear, this happens when heavy handed folk over tighten the clamps. You can buy battery post shims which will bulk the battery posts out some, or you can replace the terminal altogether, its quite easy.

19th November 2018, 19:43	#27
patrolman pete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 club se tourer CDT and a Connoisseur SE Diesel Auto Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houghton - le - Spring Posts: 1,418 Thanks: 618 Thanked 333 Times in 197 Posts	Hi Dawn, find something to grip the battery lead firmly ie molegrips or an adjustable spanner just enough to allow you to loosen the 13mm nut. You then put the screwdriver in the gap of the clamp if required.