MR2 mk3 making a nasty noise when trying to start the engine

[fewleh]

Hi, my sister has a Toyota MR2 mk3, and the car was working great yesterday, came to start it this morning, and it's making a really bad noise from the engine area, doesn't even sound like it's trying to turn over ? Is this just a battery issue? Or is it starter motor or something? Appreciate any advice. Tried rocking the car and starting it and it made no difference.. please see youtube vid below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7baUjMyWz2A

[OlberJ]

Can't play the vid in work. What's it sound like?

Is it a constant clicking noise when you try to start it?

[paintman]

Start by fully charging the battery, likelihood is its flat. The rattle is the starter trying to engage with the flywheel but lacks the power.
Didn't leave the lights on last night by any chance?
If a charged battery doesn't help then connect a jump lead directly from the battery earth terminal to the engine block as its not unknown for earthing leads - especially the plastic covered ones - to corrode away.
Also with the onset of cold damp weather its the time of year when old dying batteries make themselves known.

[OlberJ]

Yep, now listened to it. Dying battery or dodgy earth.

Get some jumper cables on and that'll let you know if it's the battery.

Have also had issues where I've removed the starter, refitted and then this happens. The starter earthes through the gearbox casing so make sure the face that touches is clean using glass paper.

From memory where the earth strap bolts to the turret can get crappy. Same idea for fixing that.

[Sardonicus]

Agree with the last 2 posts

[fewleh]

thanks all, sound like some good suggestions there, I'll give them a try tomorrow and feed back ... thank you again