MX5 wont start..

[Conor D]

I tried to start the MX5 yesterday after sitting for a while, and it wouldn't go. There was an odd noise coming from the engine bay almost like a rapid clicking (from a relay or something?) - but there was no actual 'turning over' - then the rev counter would rise slightly off the bottom, the dash lights would flicker a bit and then nothing.

Does this sound like a faulty/low battery or could it be something else?

[hornetrider]

Yes, low battery. Give it a jump and a good run, hopefully be ok. If leaving for extended periods an optimate type trickle charger should be on your list.

[Riknos]

Conor D said:

Does this sound like a faulty/low battery or could it be something else?

Battery is dead. Happens to me all the time

Whether this is due to a faulty Alternator, not sure. You should be able to test the battery and see how 'healthy' it is. The RAC did this for me, and advised my battery wasn't holding any charge, so I had to buy a new one. £98 from MX5parts

[Conor D]

Okay, thanks. The brakes are seized so the car hasn't been moved in a while, I had to borrow a battery charger to get it charged last time. I'll do the same this week, and get it into a mechanic to fix them.

[kamilb1998]

What they said. I've had a similar thing happen to me on the Jag.

[tuttle]

Probably battery. Could be intermittent starter motor fault too, mine did this non-starting, clicking thing several times over a period of months before giving up the ghost.