I have a 2001 Fiat Punto 1.1. The car has been parked on the drive for 10 months. I have charged the battery overnight, when I try to start the car the ignition does not even tick over. Clock and radio reset each time. The car will start if I use jump leads and runs fine however as soon as I turn the engine off it will not start again, any suggestions?

Thanks

James, March 2008

As a mechanic of 20 yrs,my opinion is the battery is useless,however try this,jump start the car then while engine still running,disconnect the jump leads and if it stays running then the alternator is OK, if after say 20 minutes of charging the battery you switch the engine off and it wont restart then that will prety much confirm a dud battery.The theory behind this is you need power to keep the electronics running so if it runs with the battery dicsconnected (after you have jump started it) that means the alternator is working as it is supplying the power to keep the engine running.Lastly if a battery is discharged and possibly a very old one at that,sometmes when an old battery has gone flat it will never recharge,Hope this helps,any more info contact me thru tonylawleruk@aol.com

Tony, March 2008

Your battery has had it. Leaving the car standing did it. Batteries like to be used.

t, March 2008