Maybe not tonight...

[CuffiaDB]

A couple of weeks into my new love affair...and...
I went to take my new 450 out of the garage this afternoon, and although I have power when I try to start her there is an angry metallic high speed knocking coming from (it seems) the engine bay in front of the passengers seat, no engine turn over, so I back away...
(as you may tell from my description, I'm a bit of a mechanical numpty...)
Is it a "They all do that sir..." or am I doomed???

any advice welcome (please don't say hit something with a hammer!)

[PurpleV8]

Charge the battery and try again.

Sounds like the starter solenoid switching on and off due to the battery voltage dropping too low when trying to turn the starter motor.

These cars need using or being kept on a battery conditioner if not used every week or so.

[wheels1]

Is it like a loud clicking noise, if so it's maybe the battery needs charging or it could be the starter motor has had it.[ you could try hitting it with a hammer, not joking] but The easiest thing i would check first is the battery.

If you have a battery charger stick it on and see if it needs charging, if you don't have one, and you are not going to use the car that much you should invest in one as you are going to need it. If this do's not work and you do not have much mechanical knowledge i would call in a mechanic or maybe you have breakdown cover that may cover this?

[wheels1]

Well Purple V8, Great minds think alike. We both post the same idea at the same time, can't be bad.

[CuffiaDB]

Thankyou!
Are you guys just hovering over your laptops waiting for numptys like me to fall from the skies???!!
I thought it might be something like that (hoping anyway...)
I've ordered a trickle charger anyway as I figured I'd need one. Its not an everyday car, but it'll still be used a few times a week. It has got very cold, very quickly...that can affect the state of the battery, can't it?
thanks again,
cuffia.

[CuffiaDB]

Thanks PurpleV8 and wheels1!
God bless the optimate!
Back on the road again,etc,etc...!
seriously, thanks for your replies.
Cuffia.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Glad t'was summat simple!