Rover 75 diesel starting problem

[merrymac]

After sitting for a few days Rover 75 cdt fails to start. Switch on the key the headlamps flash on but engine does not even turn, a few minutes on a trickle charge and it fires first time any ideas. It has a carphone and sat-nav fitted when new and has 145,000 miles on the clock and has been an excellent,and reliable car, up till now, battery is good. could it be wiring problem. Help

 

[tryingnottobeafool]

dud cell in battery ?

need to check at garage

 

[jj4091]

How old is the battery & how do you know it is good?

 

[merrymac]

THe battery was still under warranty and less than 2 year old the supplier checked it, and it came up O.K. Could there be a short from the sat nav or the phone and when idle for a few days the battery is just to low to turn the engine . When I turn the key the headlights flash on but the motor just refuses even to turn , why do the headlights flash ?? and how do you check for something shorting the system ??

 

[^neo^]

I'd start by giving the battery terminals a good clean up and take it from there

 

[merrymac]

Terminals were brushed and jellied by the supplier when battery was checked, and I checked and cleaned all relevant connections . but thanks for the reply anyway. It is important that connections are clean. My son in law is running a T reg Focus diesel still on its original battery and 197,000 miles . He is meticulous with clean terminals.

 

[Stivino]

Try to get hold of an ammeter and check to see if it's drawing current when not in use, thereby draining the battery.

 

[Belle427]

as said you need to get someone to check the current drain from the battery when parked up,maybe the alternator is stuffed