Hi

We are stuck in France at the moment with a car that wont start. It is a 2006 TDV6 HSE. It has been very cold and snowing a lot here. This morning when it started it was running a bit lumpy to start with then smoothed out after it warmed up.

We drove for about 10 mins and then left it parked up for the day.

When we returned to the car I tried to start it and all the dash lights etc were ok but it seemed like the starter wasnt engaging as the engine wouldnt turn over and we were getting a sort of clicking noise.

Then I thought maybe moving the car slightly would help so put it in neutral and released the handbrake, which was when all the dashboard lit up.

Now whenever i put the key in it does the same thing, everything flashing. I tried locking it (not superlocking) and the alarm was going off.

The car was covered in a foot of snow the other day and still has remnants all round it. I am wondering if any damp has got in somewhere.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I do have a spare brake light switch so am going to try that tomorrow.

Thanks in advance

David

Sounds like the battery has given up to me. Rolling the car without the engine running will throw up all sorts of errors anyway which will clear once you get it started and moving under own steam.  2x TDV6. SE and HSE. Both returned to sender with issues👀
TDV8 Sport HSE...... Gone. Loved it but it didn't love me!!
Now rolling in MY10 Fullfat TDV8 Vogue. Slammed it to go round corners🙈
Cruising daily #56 mph in a Volvo V8. 😱
Lots of other toys in the cupboard...😜

Does sound battery related. A cold start, short drive and then left in the cold again wouldn't do the battery any favours, especially if it's already struggling. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Wow, thanks for the very quick replies. We drove 10 hours to get here 5 days ago so I thought the battery would be charged ok.

If I get someone to give me a jump start would this confirm your suggestions?

Ps It seemed to turn over quickly enough this morning.

Probably took any life out of it starting and a ten minute journey isn't going to replenish it when you have heated screens, lights, wipers, heater blower, heated seats and all the back ground gizmos running. Be extremely careful using jump leads, use a surge protector or a booster pack in preference. Frost and ice will sap power out of any battery, killing one that isn't healthy  2x TDV6. SE and HSE. Both returned to sender with issues👀
TDV8 Sport HSE...... Gone. Loved it but it didn't love me!!
Now rolling in MY10 Fullfat TDV8 Vogue. Slammed it to go round corners🙈
Cruising daily #56 mph in a Volvo V8. 😱
Lots of other toys in the cupboard...😜

Thanks again. I will get a battery somewhere tomorrow ( hopefully). When you say be careful jump starting, what do I need to watch out for? I only have a basic set of leads with me.

definitely do a battery/alternator check when you get home  Recently bought a 2007 RRS HSE TDV6 for a Pimp-My-Ride-Project.
DONE: Meduza front bumper, AB rear bumper, AB tailpipes, calipers repainted, rear upper tailgate upgrade, side steps, AB front grille, AB side vents, rear LED lights, clear side repeaters, integrated daytime running lights, LED headlights.
TO DO: color code sills and pillars.

my mates in Sweden keep their motors on trickle charge constantly during the winter Recently bought a 2007 RRS HSE TDV6 for a Pimp-My-Ride-Project.
DONE: Meduza front bumper, AB rear bumper, AB tailpipes, calipers repainted, rear upper tailgate upgrade, side steps, AB front grille, AB side vents, rear LED lights, clear side repeaters, integrated daytime running lights, LED headlights.
TO DO: color code sills and pillars.

stricko wrote:

Thanks again. I will get a battery somewhere tomorrow ( hopefully). When you say be careful jump starting, what do I need to watch out for? I only have a basic set of leads with me.

thanks very much for all your advice.

It was the battery. The recovery service got it started with a booster pack. Following which I went on a 2hr drive to buy a booster pack for myself to keep in the boot as there is nowhere round here to get the correct battery.

I will get one when I get back.

Thanks again and Happy New Year !

Happy days.
When my old dad lived in Swiss Alps, he used to start his car every evening leaving it running for an hour if not using it. A neighbour said he was doing more harm than good. Admittedly this was in the 70's when cars didn't have ecu's and complicated electrics.
Glad you are going again.  2x TDV6. SE and HSE. Both returned to sender with issues👀
TDV8 Sport HSE...... Gone. Loved it but it didn't love me!!
Now rolling in MY10 Fullfat TDV8 Vogue. Slammed it to go round corners🙈
Cruising daily #56 mph in a Volvo V8. 😱
Lots of other toys in the cupboard...😜

I'm glad that it turned out ok for you