HELP - Car won't start and need to get out!

[zippee]

Morning guys,

I've just been out to start my Chim (last run a week go and no problems) and it won't go.
Fuel pump primes OK but when I go to start I get a machine gun clicking noise from the engine bay (starter motor?) and no firing etc.
When I let go and try again the fuel pump re-primes (should it do this? I thought once primed that was it)
Battery seems to be fine, windows work, alarm works, lights work etc.
She's been parked in the garage so no damp or frost etc has got to her.

Any ideas? Could it be an immobiliser circuit not releasing? Badly need to go out today but now am stuck.

Thanks in advance!

[brioss]

Sounds like the battery is low, enough there to power windows ,pump etc. but not enough power in the battery to crank the engine over.

[Whitechimp500]

I would still be checking the battery ,sounds as if its lost charge ,enough power to work the lights etc, but not enough left to crank that big V8 over.

[Whitechimp500]

brioss said:

Sounds like the battery is low, enough there to power windows ,pump etc. but not enough power in the battery to crank the engine over.

What he said

[zippee]

Cheers,

I get no power loss from anything though. Last time I had a really low battery it'd very slowly try and turn the engine, though it looks like I will have to try the charging option. Trouble is with it being a single garage and only about 1/2 a foot clearance on the passenger side it's going to be a bitch of a job to get it out.
Looks like another fun morning lined up for me!

[else]

zippee said:

Cheers, I get no power loss from anything though. Last time I had a really low battery it'd very slowly try and turn the engine, though it looks like I will have to try the charging option. Trouble is with it being a single garage and only about 1/2 a foot clearance on the passenger side it's going to be a bitch of a job to get it out. Looks like another fun morning lined up for me!

Sounds like it could be a loose terminal either on the battery or the starter itself. Try wiggling the battery terminals a bit then try it again, worth a try before you change the battery.

[jonnyb]

I would go for a stuck solenoid on the starter motor. Does the engine turn over at all?

[zippee]

jonnyb said:

I would go for a stuck solenoid on the starter motor. Does the engine turn over at all?

Nope! Just a fast clicking sound which I guess is the starter. As mentioned it primed perfectly, but on backing off with the key it primes again before each turn.
I've just (struggled) managed to get the battery out whilst annoying the neighbours with the alarm siren constantly going off and it's on charge to see if thats the case. Thing is last week it was absolutely fine, nothing has been left on and I've had no trouble with the battery in the year I've had the car.

[seasider]

zippee said:

jonnyb said: I would go for a stuck solenoid on the starter motor. Does the engine turn over at all? Nope! Just a fast clicking sound which I guess is the starter. As mentioned it primed perfectly, but on backing off with the key it primes again before each turn. I've just (struggled) managed to get the battery out whilst annoying the neighbours with the alarm siren constantly going off and it's on charge to see if thats the case. Thing is last week it was absolutely fine, nothing has been left on and I've had no trouble with the battery in the year I've had the car.

Give me a a call if you want mate...

>> Edited by seasider on Saturday 31st December 14:09

[tvrbubblecar]

Had to same problem a couple of months ago....wouldn't start with same clicking noise

It was low battery - the cold weather takes its toll

Hope the charging works

Chris

[Wacky Racer]

After the battery has been checked (Most likely cause) ensure the connections on the starter motor terminals are tight, also the starter could be sticking, if so give it a LIGHT tap with the end of a wooden hammer shaft......

[zippee]

Thanks for all your help guys. It was the battery, time to put an Accumate charger in I think!

[shake me up judy]

Hi Zippee, I had a similar problem and replaced the battery with a Varta 570-138-057 Asia Dynamic

Wasn't the cheapest but the performance is amazing. No starting problems and I can leave the lights on without flattening it in 1/2 an hour.