Car won't start

[c6erb]

I hold down the Start button and all the lights appear on the dashboard but then I get like a buzzing sound.

Could it be the Starter Motor?

[kevin63]

I would say the buzzing sound is the fuel pump (which is normal) or have you left the blower fan on.

[Steve_T]

With a low battery the starter solenoid switches repeatedly. It could be that - do you have a test meter handy to check the battery?

[FUBAR]

If its a metallic buzzing and only get it whilst holding down the start button, then Id hazard a guess at the starter motor.

[big_treacle]

I sometimes get this. It sounds like the 'change gear' buzzer sound. Normally fix it by pressing the alarm key fob button thing a few times.

[c6erb]

Battery is fully charged.

[c6erb]

The sound is more of a high pitched whine than a buzz.

[FUBAR]

c6erb said:

The sound is more of a high pitched whine than a buzz.

Starter motor

[c6erb]

Do I need a new one or can I try anything to get it working?

[FUBAR]

It will bump start, but you'll need a hill and/or a couple of rugby players.

But yes, you will need a new/reconditioned starter.

Edited by FUBAR on Monday 24th July 14:13

[gazzab]

have always been told that you shouldnt bump start a cerb. I assume it is cats and clutch that dont like it.

[FUBAR]

gazzab said:

have always been told that you shouldnt bump start a cerb. I assume it is cats and clutch that dont like it.

Gaz, it was Austec that bump started my car when the starter went tits up on their forecourt (and it needed to be away from there for the warranty claim ). Dont have any cats and cant see why it would be a problem for the clutch?

[gbbird]

FUBAR said:

c6erb said:

The sound is more of a high pitched whine than a buzz.

Starter motor

Strange that you mention a high pitched whine. Sometimes, when i start my Cerb, i get this high pitched whine coming from the rear somewhere - sounds like an electrical whine rather than mechanical, and it goes after a few seconds, and when it does appear it is after the car has started, not before or during. Strange

[FUBAR]

Ive had 2 starter motors in 24 months. Both times it started with intermitent starting (see what i did there? ) and some graunching noises to warn me. Then when they finally went was just the whizzy/whiney noise when something or other sheared

[Steve_T]

gazzab said:

have always been told that you shouldnt bump start a cerb. I assume it is cats and clutch that dont like it.

It's the cats mainly - only a problem if you have cats.

Steve.

[Steve_T]

gbbird said:

FUBAR said:

c6erb said:

The sound is more of a high pitched whine than a buzz.

Starter motor

Strange that you mention a high pitched whine. Sometimes, when i start my Cerb, i get this high pitched whine coming from the rear somewhere - sounds like an electrical whine rather than mechanical, and it goes after a few seconds, and when it does appear it is after the car has started, not before or during. Strange

It's not the fuel pump priming is it?

[c6erb]

Is it worth calling the AA?

[Steve_T]

Do you have a test meter you can put across the battery to check the voltage? I'd say check the voltage if it's low, get a jump start from someone and check the voltage again while the car is running. It should >13v, might be > 14v. The alternator warning light on the dash (orange one iirc) should go out after the car starts. If it doesn't your battery has been flattened because it wasn't being charged by the alternator. A common cause is the infamous big fuse (cheap to fix) a less common and much more expensive cause is a dead alternator. The AA will be able to check this is you're not happy too/don't have any tools available.

Steve.

Edited by Steve_T on Monday 24th July 16:02

[c6erb]

I charged the battery using a trickle charger until it was full.

[leebus]

Darren! mail me and i will take you thru a procedure of hot wiring the vehicle to elimate starter, pump and ignition relay!
It will give you a better idea of what it is!