My M3 didnt start last night!

[rsquared]

Hi all,

So last night I got the scare of my life. I got in my M3, put the key in, turned on the ignition and no response at all. At first I freaked out. Then, after regaining my composure I started checking things out. The power lock button in the car wasn\'t working, the map lights were very weak.

It turns out that the dome light in the car was left on since Sunday night. So I\'m thinking my battery was just very weak because of this and the car wouldn\'t start.

After 5 minutes I tried to start the car again and it seemed to be regaining power, as the dashboard and radio lit up. I waited 10 mins, and then 15 mins and the car seemed to be getting stronger everytime, but still not starting. When I went to lock the car via the key fob the lights were pretty weak and the honk sounded very weak as well.

Then I decided to just leave it overnight and try again today when I get home from work.

So is this just a case of my battery being drained?

Other than leaving the car overnight to regain the battery power, is there anything else I need to do? Do I need to get someone to boost my battery?

[Broli]

sounds like a boost would help!

[TheProfessor]

I hope it has nothing to do with the Audio Link always charging the iPod!?!

[rsquared]

Can\'t be that as I unplug my ipod when I\'m not driving the car.

[Broli]

how much power can an ipod really draw,
once it is fully charged it won\'t draw that much, i suspect.

can a boost really hurt?

u said it yourself, you left the light on, the car wouldn\'t start,
you turned off the life, and if seemed to get better, but it won\'t be
able to charge until the car is on, so . . .
i say try a boost?

am i wrong people?

[rsquared]

Broli, I\'ll definitely try boosting if the car doesn\'t start tonight.

Here\'s a good link with a guide to boosting your car:
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/jumpstart.htm

[Broli]

wow

who knew i have been boosting cars so so very wrong!

they way they tell it i am lucky to be alive!

lol

this is my favourite part

If the battery is cracked and liquid is leaking out, DO NOT go further! Bite the bullet and go buy another battery and swap it out. If you try to jump start a battery with a crack in it, it will explode, and battery acid will dissolve your eyes (on the positive side though, it does get the red out). It makes no sense to jump a cracked battery, it will die in a few minutes.

it looks like a good instruction manual to me!

[rsquared]

Just an update, got my battery boosted and everything is a-okay :D

It was my first time using Mazda Roadside Assistance and it was quick and painless. Simply called the number and gave my info and they dispatched a CAA truck within about 30 minutes. The best part was that it was covered under my extended warranty :)

[TheProfessor]

Originally posted by rsquared
The best part was that it was covered under my extended warranty :)

All new Mazda\'s come with Roadside assitance which is valid for the warranty period....even if you didn\'t have extended warranty it should\'ve been covered (unless you\'re out of regular warranty).

[Martian]

Originally posted by rsquared
The power lock button in the car wasn\'t working, the map lights were very weak.

It turns out that the dome light in the car was left on since Sunday night. So I\'m thinking my battery was just very weak because of this and the car wouldn\'t start.

After 5 minutes I tried to start the car again and it seemed to be regaining power, as the dashboard and radio lit up. I waited 10 mins, and then 15 mins and the car seemed to be getting stronger everytime, but still not starting. When I went to lock the car via the key fob the lights were pretty weak and the honk sounded very weak as well.


Next time, make sure everything is OFF (lights, radio, fan), and give it 15 mins for the battery to self-charge. Try to conserve as much juice as possible (ie: don\'t use the fob!). After 15 mins, try restarting the car. If it still won\'t turn over, you\'ll need a boost (You DO have booster cables in your trunk, right?!)

Once boosted, make sure you drive (highway speeds are best) for a while to recharge your battery. And don\'t forget that cold weather has an adverse effect on batteries.