HI lack of power in a battery is when you need a new one. the battery has suphided up inside so the current required to start it is no longer there. so a new battery is the only cure. you where lucky most give out in the winter time when winter is at it's worst.

a battery usually lasts about 3-4 years maximum.

Turn on the headlights and watch them while someone tries to start the car. If they 'dim' I would suggest the battery is 'stuffed' if not, you probably have a 'starter' problem.

Battery may have very little charge left in it and yet produce enough current for lights and lamps. However, this charge may not be nearly good enough for a starter motor. This sounds like very much your case.

Make sure battery contacts and clamps are white by sanding then with fine sand paper, jump start your car and drive it for at least 45 minutes.

If problem remains, change your battery

Remove the battery and take it to any store that sells new oned other than Auto Zone. Ask for a free 15 second *load test to see what the reserve amperage capacity is. Amperage spins starter motors not voltage.

A battery with a shorted cell will not recharge!

It is a typical battery end of life. Have it replaced and all will be fine.

The ticking noise you heard is coming from the starter solenoid which tries to energise in order for the starter unit to crank the engine during the start. However since the battery voltage/capacity is too weak, the solenoid fails to energise.

Happy motoring.

Don't assume that just because a few 5w bulbs light up there's enough juice for the 2Kw starter motor.

All the evidence points to the battery being dead.

You have proven by jump starting it that the battery is knackered. New battery needed.

Most cars will get lights on but if the battery is low then the starter moror will not turn.

You need to check the battery with a voltmeter. The sparks do not mean the battery is healthy, just that some current is flowing.

Check battery condition first - you do not know that batterys condition yet

If it is showing a healthy state then the problem is elsewhere with wiring or maybe the sterter motor and solenoid

Battery works but car won't start?

I have a 2004 Vuxhall Zaffira

I know for sure the battery works , I tried charging it and there were sparks when the clamps touched and headlights turn on. But i try to start it and nothing happens. The lights on the dash light up, and the oil and battery light stay on. I can turn the key easily but just make tick tick noise. If i put jump lead for 10 minute then it start if push it it start .

What can be the problem?

Thanks