[Daveytfc]

I own a CMAX 1.8 petrol (Ghia) with a 53 plate. I know next to nothing about cars, however, what I do know is that I am constantly getting problems which are linked to the battery being flattened for no apparent reason (i.e. don't leave any lights on when engine not running).

For example, on a business trip just yesterday, I drove over 100 miles without stopping. Left the car for a meeting for 3-4 hours. Came back to it only for it not to start.

I used some jump leads to restart, drove home (again >100 miles) and no further problems...until this morning when the jump leads were required again!

Does anyone know why this might be happening - is it a common fault in this make of car? I have been told that the battery is being charged by the alternator so I can only assume that something is running the battery down when I am not in the car?!? Like I said, as the problem occurs so often, I make sure that no internal lights are on (at any time!!) and whenever I go to start the car, I make sure that wipers/radio/fan etc are all switched off... then I just cross my fingers and hope!

Please help me if you can!

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Tembo11]

Has anyone checked that there is not a short circuit through any of the high current circuits such as the central locking?

 

[Ravenger]

The C-Max has a very complex charging system, and requires the battery to be in perfect condition. I've heard of problems like yours where swapping the battery for a new one fixes the problem, even though the original battery is apparently ok and works fine in other cars.

Edited by: Ravenger

 

[cliffeck]

I own a CMAX 1.8 petrol (Ghia) with a 53 plate. I know next to nothing about cars, however, what I do know is that I am constantly getting problems which are linked to the battery being flattened for no apparent reason (i.e. don't leave any lights on when engine not running).

For example, on a business trip just yesterday, I drove over 100 miles without stopping. Left the car for a meeting for 3-4 hours. Came back to it only for it not to start.

I used some jump leads to restart, drove home (again >100 miles) and no further problems...until this morning when the jump leads were required again!

Does anyone know why this might be happening - is it a common fault in this make of car? I have been told that the battery is being charged by the alternator so I can only assume that something is running the battery down when I am not in the car?!? Like I said, as the problem occurs so often, I make sure that no internal lights are on (at any time!!) and whenever I go to start the car, I make sure that wipers/radio/fan etc are all switched off... then I just cross my fingers and hope!

Please help me if you can!

Cheers,

Dave

I can help you. I had the exact issue. The solution is easy. The battery is run down whenever your car is turned off completely BUT you have left a USB cable plugged it, even without a device attached. UNPLUG ALL USB ATTACHMENTS WHEN SHUTTING DOWN. NO MORE BATTERY DRAINAGE PROBLEMS. I'll guess you have a 2013 or 14, that problem was huge with those years.