car won't start and no lights

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mumdawn - 27 Jul 2008 01:30 GMT

After 10 yrs of trouble free motoring my car has refused to start-
absolutely nothing when I turn the key. No lights on dashboard and
central locking,radio not working. Tried jump starting with jump
leads; jump starting with a push and tow but no luck.
Is it likely to be battery or alternator?thanks lots

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John Selph - 27 Jul 2008 01:42 GMT

Sounds to me like you've got shorted plates in the battery. I had a similar
situation in a Ford truck and since it was a standard transmission, I was
lucky enough to get it push started so I could get to the store for a new
battery.

> After 10 yrs of trouble free motoring my car has refused to start-
> absolutely nothing when I turn the key. No lights on dashboard and
> central locking,radio not working. Tried jump starting with jump
> leads; jump starting with a push and tow but no luck.
> Is it likely to be battery or alternator?thanks lots

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boxing@sasktel.net - 27 Jul 2008 02:24 GMT

if the battery is 10 years old it could be shot. maybe disconnect one
of the battery cables and check the battery with a load tester. if it
doesn't test normal then put a charger on over night and test it
again. if the battery tests ok the next day then something is killing
the battery.

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boxing@sasktel.net - 27 Jul 2008 02:25 GMT

i guess it could also be as simple as a corroded battery connection

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Paul Hovnanian P.E. - 28 Jul 2008 04:26 GMT

> i guess it could also be as simple as a corroded battery connection

Or a blown fusible link. Clean the terminals, check the battery voltage
while disconnected. If its anywhere around 12v, its OK. At least it
should light up some instruments. Put it back in the car. If everything
is still dead, start looking for a main fuse or fusible link.

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