Flat battery??

[Birchi-Bum]

Hi. Having just got in + tried to start my Mazda LX I find that when I try the ignition the engine tries to kick in but there is no power whatsoever. The battery light indicator flashes up on the dashboard as did the oil light/handbrake + car's security symbol when I try the ignition.
My car has been standing out overnight in heavy rain + most of today. Does this contribute to its current predicament? Could my battery be flat?

Any help much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

[Andyvon]

Did you leave your lights on yesterday after driving in the rain? The 'battery light indicator' you mention is probably the standard battery charge lamp which warns you if the alternator stops charging. Along with the oil pressure and handbrake lamps they illuminate when the ignition is switched on but go out the moment the engine is running (except the handbrake light of course).

I think you left your lights on yesterday and the battery is flat. Have you got a charger? If so, then disconnect the battery and charge it for a few hours. If not, then get someone with a set of jump leads to jump start the car or buy some leads yourself which you will then have for just this situation should it arise again. If you are with a recovery firm such as the AA or RAC they will come out and jump start the car.

However it starts, once the car is running, take it for a good run for an hour or so - but don't switch the engine off during that time. That will put a good charge back in the battery and it should then be fine.

[puternut]

1) How old is the battery?

Had a battery go flat overnight in a garage. Called up local mobile mechanic. He said that after 5 years they can drop a cell - he didn't know that my flat battery was 5 years old to the month

2) Can rain have got into the fusebox?

Another car lost all power in heavy rain and discovered that because the cover of my fusebox had lost its cover water had got into the electrics there (One point on this car was a Ford and fusebox was situated on the top of the bulkhead just below the bonnet edge - cannot comment on Mazda fusebox postion)