Starting problem

[Chewa]

My wife has just called to say our 1999 9-5 (which is usually the model of reliability) wouldn't start. It's happened once before, when I'd been cleaning the car and had left the cd playing with doors open etc and then compounded it by using a cigarette lighter output powered compressor to pump the tyres!!

I talked her through bump starting it (in reverse down our steep drive) and it started right away.

She said all the lights in the dash came on as normal, radio etc but just clicked when she turned the key. Car started as soon as she popped the clutch at very low speed.

It sounds like the battery is on the way out. Do you agree?

Question is, I can get a replacement battery from Bosch very cheaply or spend £100 plus getting one fitted at the main dealer (we still have FSH)


If I just buy the battery from Bosch and fit it myself are there any issues re this(says it's for 9-5 on the fitment guide) and more particularly what about Tech 11 settings if I replace. Will they be reset?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[SR20DET]

Starter most likely.

[Kermit]

Chewa, if you turn the ignition on, are all the dash lights bright, if you turn the headlamps on are they bright or do they fade away? I would take the car to a battery outlet and let them put a voltage tester across the terminals, this will determine whether your battery is shot or not. (Bosch battery will be just fine).
If the battery is fine, the clicking sound could be a faulty solenoid on the starter motor failing to engage. Hope this helps, K

[Chris 9-5]

Originally Posted by Chewa

It sounds like the battery is on the way out. Do you agree?

If I just buy the battery from Bosch and fit it myself are there any issues re this(says it's for 9-5 on the fitment guide) and more particularly what about Tech 11 settings if I replace. Will they be reset?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Definately the battery!

Tech 2 settings are stored elsewhere and should not be lost

[Chewa]

Well, it looks like the battery has had it. It would barely open the central locking today and wouldn't turn the car over.


My wife drove (after bump starting) to the local Varta stockists and one battery change later all is well.

Tech 2 settings appear to be ok too. Their only worry was whether the radio was coded but I was able to tell them it's not.

Thanks for all the advice.