Bugger - Flat Battery

[aussiebeano]

left the park lights on last night - duh... Not only won't she not start, pressing the key fob immobiliser does nothing either. The alarm light on the tacho dial is on, but fades when I open the door. Cabin light behind the seats has a very faint glow.

Do I borrow a friend's trickle charger or do a jump start. How do I avoid any restart issues with the immobiliser?

I feel like such a clutz - any advice appreciated.

[bencollins]

Jump starts chuck unburnt fuel on to the cat and can destroy it and in some cases catch fire, i.e. not recommended.
Erm I think thats right anyhoo.

[TIPPER]

As Ben says its not recommended although I've got away with it a couple of times. Same thing as you: leaving the lights on
I'm used to turning them off now as soon as I cut the engine(I always have my lights on hoping I'll be more visible).

[ptp170]

Use a trickle charger to bring the voltage back up on the battery overnight. Don't jump start and drive away as this then leaves the poor old alternator the job of charging and the ECU/associated electrics may suffer (poor idle/hunting etc). If the battery charges ok overnight then start and drive as normal...if the battery won't charge properly then get a new one

[MadProf]

As everyone else,it's not advisable to jump start the Elise has a very fickle electric system which can be damaged by jump starting,much wiser to trickle charge whenever possible.

[aussiebeano]

thanks to all for the advice. Have a work mate bringing his trickle charger in tomorrow. Hopefully will be able to get her started up ready for the weekend

cheers
antony