Tried to start the car after a winter lay up. The battery was on a trickle charger and I last started about 6 weeks ago. This time the battery was flat so I assume the charger was not working. The starter did not turn over. A relay was clicking. I opened the trunk with a key and opened the hood. Pulled the relay and the alarm went off.

Put the battery on a main charger and tried to start after an hour. The car started but all the gauges flickered. I could not shift from Park. I believe the handbrake needs to be reset?

I will consult the owners manual later but I cannot locate this right now.

Does anyone have any ideas please? I am thinking this might be a battery issue? The battery is 3 years old. Appreciate any help.

Thanks

 

Batteries left flat tend to die.

But in any case a 1 hour charge is tiny. Try 12-18 hours and hope.

 

+1. The batteries in our cars seem to have no sense of humour. One mistake and no soup for you.

 

+2 on battery (hopefully the battery is not toast).... If you take the battery to one of the big box auto stores they will charge the battery up for free. Might be worth a try since your battery might need a swift electrical "kick"...

 

I concur - definitely the battery. You cannot allow the batteries on these cars to drain. Once they do, you'll battle them to no avail until you finally realize that a replacement is required....

 

I agree with jagv8 you can permanently damage a car battery if it discharges too low.

 

Update- A lomg charge (20 hours) was all that was needed. Car is running fine now. Reset the parking brake and all is well.

Thanks