Car won't start - what might be wrong? (Video included)
Car won't start - what might be wrong? (Video included)
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Discussion

Dromedary66

Original Poster:

1,924 posts

167 months

Friday 14th February 2014
quotequote all
Calling everyone who knows more about car mechanics than me (so pretty much everyone on the planet)

Car won't start. It's an 06 Ford Focus. Can hear the ignition turning over (I think) but then just some ominous clicking? I appreciate almost anything under the bonnet might be responsible for it not working, but based on what you can hear what might your first thoughts be? Presumably not the battery as the lights work. No warnings on dash.

Spark plugs? Starter motor? Hasn't been used in a month.

Vid here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/z2exwwmlxqpm5cz/20140213...
or
http://tinypic.com/r/23wa25z/8

Thanks in advance!

ShaunTheSheep

951 posts

184 months

Friday 14th February 2014
quotequote all
Battery is the normal cause. Enough juice for light loads like the solenoid (the click) and lights but nowhere near enough to turn the motor.

Prove with a battery load tester or a multi meter that will record min voltage across the terminals while attempting to crank.

Given it's been laid up I wouldnt automatically think alternator or dodgy earth. I wouldn't rule them out either!

spike50

121 posts

183 months

Friday 14th February 2014
quotequote all
cant hear good enough but sounds like flat battery to me

Chicane-UK

3,861 posts

214 months

Friday 14th February 2014
quotequote all
Agreed with the flat battery comments. Hope you've got a set of jump leads, OP smile

drdino

1,322 posts

171 months

Friday 14th February 2014
quotequote all
How old is the battery? Sounds like it's dead.

Dromedary66

Original Poster:

1,924 posts

167 months

Friday 14th February 2014
quotequote all
OK good I'm pleased in a way - have a mate coming over tonight to jump start it.

Must be many years old, can't even remember when it was changed. Ever since I moved I don't drive very often so that won't be helping it.

Cheers.