Car won't start?

[Stissy]

Evening Saxp,

I have been having a problem with my VTS and I can't get it to start. The car is a 2000 model, completely standard apart from an after market alarm (I believe it's a Clifford). I ran it out of fuel a while ago, the car is kept on my drive under a cover and rarely used but I like to start it up every few weeks to make sure it doesn't seize up or anything.

I filled it up this evening but when I went to start the car, the battery was dead. I hooked the Saxo up to a second car to jump it, and straight away the Saxo alarm went off, blinking the indicators. I was then able to unlock the car and switch off the alarm. I waited 10 minutes or so for the battery to build some charge, however when I went to start it, the car turned over but still wouldn't start.

After trying to start the car 4-5 times (waiting in between), the car 'switched off' completely. All of the dash lights went out, including the battery light, and I was unable to do anything. After that I couldn't get the car to do anything. Even after waiting another 5 minutes or so, all the lights were still completely dead. Any ideas?

[Clivvy]

having a similar issue myself.

Have you tested the coil pack? You could try unplugging it to see if you have any change. For me, with the coil pack plugged in the car turns over but makes racket, rocks and moans but doesn't start. With the coil pack unplugged the car just turns over "normally" but of course doesn't start.

Prior to being sat for a while the car has been perfect. But we haven't used the car much in six months, just on and off briefly with the odd jump start in between...

[stevo67]

Tbh i'd call an auto electrician I think the issue lies with alarm mate.

[Stissy]

having a similar issue myself.

Have you tested the coil pack? You could try unplugging it to see if you have any change. For me, with the coil pack plugged in the car turns over but makes racket, rocks and moans but doesn't start. With the coil pack unplugged the car just turns over "normally" but of course doesn't start.

Prior to being sat for a while the car has been perfect. But we haven't used the car much in six months, just on and off briefly with the odd jump start in between...

I haven’t testing the coil pack, but I’m now in a position where nothing works. Not even the dash lights. So I can’t turn the car over at all.

Tbh i'd call an auto electrician I think the issue lies with alarm mate.

Cheers for the response. I think you’re right. I’m going to try changing the battery this weekend as I think the issue may also be a dead cell. If that doesn’t work, I’ll get someone out.