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Probably cheaper to get a new battery if it's past its sell by date...then it will last you at least 3 years
Probably cheaper to get a new battery if it's past its sell by date...then it will last you at least 3 years
Chelsea boy said:
Thanks for your help all.
I have been thinking about getting a battery conditioner for a while
now. Can anyone recommend one.
I have been thinking about getting a battery conditioner for a while
now. Can anyone recommend one.
My 450 is fitted with an Optimate battery conditioner. When I first bought the car, I thought I could leave the car for weeks on end without a problem, until one day it too wouldn't start. Chims seem to draw a fair bit of current from the battery even without the alarm on. The immobiliser, clock etc. all add up to drain current. Since I've been using the Optimate, I haven't had the problem.
If it's not that (which it probably is), then it could be the starter motor itself. You can sometimes get them going as the other guys have said, but it's best to replace it as it would only let you down again and again until you have to change it. Also check for loose or corroded leads. either on the starter or the battery.
Halfords maintenance charger - approx. £20 (doesn't overcharge the battery). My Chim has been running like a dream since using this. There's also Accumate.
Just a thought. Along with my Chim's ignition key and immobiliser there was also a separate square plastic disc. Through trial and error it's been discovered that by turning off the ignition but leaving the ignition key in and rotating this plastic disc around the ignition barrel, the LED light on the steering column goes out (hence mobilising the car) and upon restarting it fires first time.
Just a thought. Along with my Chim's ignition key and immobiliser there was also a separate square plastic disc. Through trial and error it's been discovered that by turning off the ignition but leaving the ignition key in and rotating this plastic disc around the ignition barrel, the LED light on the steering column goes out (hence mobilising the car) and upon restarting it fires first time.
Check the voltage at the battery. If the battery's healthy it should be at around 12V. Then check it with the key in position 3, the cranking position and check for a significant difference. From your description I wouldn't suspect the battery (headlamps bright, fuel pump running up): I'd suspect the starter motor. Try one of the previous suggestions: hitting the motor body.
Beyond that you need to do a bit more investigation. First, do you get 12V at the solenoid supply (the thinner wire to the starter motor) with the key in cranking position? If you do, the problem's likely to be the starter motor. If not, the problem's likely to be somewhere in the circuit between the ignition switch and the starter motor (including the immobiliser).
Beyond that you need to do a bit more investigation. First, do you get 12V at the solenoid supply (the thinner wire to the starter motor) with the key in cranking position? If you do, the problem's likely to be the starter motor. If not, the problem's likely to be somewhere in the circuit between the ignition switch and the starter motor (including the immobiliser).
Chelsea boy said:
Thanks for your help all.I have been thinking about getting a battery conditioner for a while
now. Can anyone recommend one.
now. Can anyone recommend one.
You said that the lights were bright....therefore it's unlikely to be the battery causing your problem. I'm assuming that the lights stay bright when you try turning the engine over - correct?
Have you tried TVR Thomo's tip with the jack handle? It's not unknown for the starter solenoid to stick.
had similar problem, took advise and then took the starter motor off, opened it up and was shocked at the amount of dirty/water etc inside it at the bushes end. amazed that it ever worked.
cleaning was easy just be carefull, all done in an hour, starter sounds like it's on speed now.
cleaning was easy just be carefull, all done in an hour, starter sounds like it's on speed now.
chim666 said:
Chelsea boy said:
Not getting a click when turning the key
That [B]does[/B] sound like a stuck solenoid.
My 450 has been doing this for a while, I guess I have some crud inside the starter thats stopping the arm fully engaging. I just turn the ignition off then back on and try again, she always fires 2nd or third time. Not a problem when she is warm. I have a cold start problem !.
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