Chimaera starting problems

[Big Simon]

I've had problems starting my Chimaera 400 on and off since last October. The battery is getting on a bit (4 years old) and although it lives on an accumate charger, starting the car in recent months has been getting more difficult. I've just bought a new battery (exactly the same as the old one)and fitted it but the car still wont start. The fuel pump fires up and there is a clicking from the starter motor but the engine wont spin up/fire. Curiously since the new battery was fitted the dash leds stay on even though the keys are laying on the front seat!!! The other thing I noted last time the car was started (about two weeks ago) was that the brake light glowed when the reversing light came on backing out of the garage. I dont know if all these things are coincidental or stem from one fault/place. I suspect some sort of earth/current drain somewhere but as a 'novice' on electrical whoes I wonder if anyone has any ideas. Up to a fortnight ago the car ran like a train once started. Help !!!

[haircutmike]

I would check all the earths starting with the engine and gearbox earths especially if the starter is clicking and not spinning!

[Big Simon]

Thanks for the input Mike, I'll give that a try first and see how I get on.