Ignition problems

PADDINK

MEMBER
2004 PEUGEOT 407
78,000 MILES

Hello, got a drama with my Peugeot 407 54 plate. Last time I had a ride in it was yesterday, and this morning tried turning the ignition on and nothing comes up at all. I tried getting my mate to help jump start it and after some minutes of trying, only the electrics come up i.E radio, and dash board lights, but not the engine. I have only just gone back to try and this time nothing at all comes up. Any advice will be much appreciated, please

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Measure the battery voltage. It must be 12.6 volts if it's fully charged. If it is, there is a bad connection, most commonly where the smaller positive wire bolts to the under-hood fuse box.

If you find around 12.2 volts, the battery is okay but it is discharged. Suspect the generator. You'll need to charge the battery slowly for an hour. A jump-start should work but you have to be sure the connections are solid, and it can take a few minutes to charge the battery before you try to start the engine.

If you find closer to 11 volts the battery has a shorted cell and must be replaced. Jump-starting usually won't work because you can't get enough current through those little connections.