BSI / Jump Start - won't start with wipers going and beeping noises

Hi,
I recently had the BSI reset on my C3 and the car has been fine for about 3 weeks. However couple of days ago turned the car off and wouldn't restart with wipers going and beeping noises.
Nothing happens when turning ignition, I've had the battery charged off the car so this should be good. However the car does start when getting a Jump.
Does this sound more like a battery or another BSI issue?

Thanks

If the car starts with the help of a jump then it suggests to me battery or possibly battery connection/leads.

When you jump start, do you connect to the battery terminals or negative to the engine block or other earth. I'm just thinking that the earth lead connection on the battery could be bad?

The next thing I'd think about is getting the battery tested. If you have a voltmeter you can some checking yourself. Connect the meter to the battery and it should read something in the 12 volt range, possibly higher if the battery has just come off charge but nothing significantly lower. Apply some load, eg headlights, the battery voltage will drop but again not massively, if you're getting down to 10 volts or lower then the battery is suspect. You could also try cranking the engine, I'd expect a good battery to stay above 9.5 volts even when starting.

If you don't have the equipment or don't fancy a bit of DIY, most places that sell batteries will do you a free check in the hope of selling you a new battery.

So when I do the jump start I connect the leads to the battery terminals directly?
The voltage of the battery at rest is ~12.7 v this dropping to about 8.5 when attempting a start. Does this indicate a battery fault??

Thanks

tobeagreed wrote:The voltage of the battery at rest is ~12.7 v this dropping to about 8.5 when attempting a start. Does this indicate a battery fault??

These 12v car battery load testers are great for testing the actual cranking capacity of a battery.

Euro Car Parts have discounted batteries for your 1.1 2006 Citroen C3 with free delivery.

tobeagreed wrote:So when I do the jump start I connect the leads to the battery terminals directly?
The voltage of the battery at rest is ~12.7 v this dropping to about 8.5 when attempting a start. Does this indicate a battery fault??

Because you're connecting the jump leads to the same place in the car as its own battery it would suggest to me that the battery leads are OK.

8.5 volts for cranking is on the low side, measuring voltage is only an indication, but based on your findings I'd be investigating the battery further.

A battery tester is the tool for doing this, if you don't think having your own is worth the investment just go to a 'Quik-Fit' type establishment or a garage. Many will give you a free test if they think you're going to buy a new battery.

With 6 vehicles in the family and living out in the sticks, I invested in something similar to this