my 2002 citroen xsara's battery has been going flat, some times in cold weather but now it seems to be happening more often. I have taken it to a garage 4 times and they could not find a fault, it has a brand new battery which is a good quality one but yet the problem still occurs. I even took her to the main dealers, no joy. Please help as i'm a student who needs the transport.

leigh, February 2009

Just had same problem with battery going flat overnight whilst parked up. Eventually diagnosed by auto electrician as corroded wires in under bonnet control unit. These cleaned up & problem solved.

pappie, February 2014

The back light in the boot may be draining the battery.Check it and take off the bulb.If the headlight bulb connections are ok.Have you fitted high power headlight bulbs? There is a terminal in the engine compartment for boost starting-has a plastic cover on it.Make sure this is in place and not discharging.Are any fuses blown? This gives indication of where the problem is!Hope this helps

Bertan, December 2012

Do you have an extra battery that is not sealed and accepts charge ?If not get one that has been discarded .Check the battery fluid level and Charge it and then top up your car battery with the acid-if it is not sealed-with a syringe!If not buy Granville's battery booster tablets about 3 quid.Has the battery got the plastic top cover?Make sure it is covered and keep the vehicle in a garage if possible.When starting wait for the ignition light to go off.Switch Off ignition.Then turn on again and wait again for the light to go off.Turn the ignition not more than 5 seconds at a time.Check the alternator belt is correctly fitted and not overtight.Make sure the power steering unit is topped up as it uses the same belt.In winter synthetic oil 5-40 is best!Helps engine to turn over easily.

Bertan, December 2012

hopefully you are not still having problems. but generally the next stage after battery replacement is to look at repair/replacement of the alternator

mason storm, January 2010

You best looking at the stereo if you fitted it as well. Ideally a car needs about 7 miles a day to retain charge. Is anything being left on in the vehicle if its a battery drain such as lights not turning off. Are you attaching anything extra that may be using the battery. The battery attached properly, contacts clean? (Don't use vaseline! Old mechanics will tell you to do that...fire risk)

boop, March 2009

I agree with andy, had the exact same problem on my xsara and was worried that it was the alternator, but working near a garage, they tested it and was all fine. They will do this for free (if theyre nice enough)

Bestie, March 2009

i once had a van that when i parked overnight the battery would be flat, so would jump start it and use it allday (after a while it would charge enough for me to start on key) but next morning it would be flat again..it turned out to be the alternator!! the brushes had worn down so much that when it was left overnight the battery would backfeed thru alternator until it was flat..ps the battery light on dash was still going out once engine was running..very odd

tony, February 2009

Leigh, seems to me that your problem is the Alternator which is not charging the Battery up properly. I'd suggest you take it to an Auto Electrician and get them to test your Alternator.

Andy, February 2009