Had to call out the AA tonight when my car would not start and seemed ok with a jumpstart. The man seemed to think l just needed a new battery. However, coming home l noticed something odd. Whenever l changed from full to dipped lights or used the indicators the radio would switch off and on again. Then, once l arrived home, and locked the car up the central locking was not working. It just made some feeble clicking noises. l had to go round and lock all the doors manually. Is this something serious or easy enough to fix????
Jock, l drove it home over 10 miles if that is any help. Will get myself a voltmeter this morning and test the battery and alternator. Will be a good investment anyway.

Alternator needs new brushes mate.Away to test this is to start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before disconnecting the live terminal to the battery(with the engine still running).once you disconnect it if the engine cuts out then you know you have alternator troubles.Hope this helps mate

Hi there, with what you are saying the guy could be right.you drove it home on lights, l do not know how far but it indicates alternator putting out a charge,if it starts check to see if lights brighten when revving up if they do then alternator ok. get the battery tested to see if there is a shortening out. but also get charging rate from alternator checked, because if it is overcharging it can damage batteries. jock

if your in the UK go to Kwik fit for a free battery checkup. then go else where to get e new battery.

a typical battery will only be good for a round 3 years.

Sounds like one of your earth cables going down to the gearbox has snapped.