wont start

[Chelsea boy]

I havn't driven the car for a few weeks now.
Kept the battery on trickle charge for that time, the acumate says the battery is fully charged but when I try to start, nothing. Fuel pump engages, lights work, clock keeping time etc.
Anyone got any ideas
Thanks

[TVR Thomo]

Stater motor? Are you getting a click or any noise at all ? Do the lights dim when you turn the key i.e is there current being drawn from the battery?

I had similar problems my self and in the end I had to get the starter motor replaced. However,you can try leaning into the engine bay (drivers side) and using a trolly jack handle (or simillar) rest the end on the side of the starter/solinoid and give it a few short sharpe taps with a hammer. Then try and start the car.

[Chelsea boy]

Thanks TVR Thorno
Yes the headlamps do dim when I turn the key

[Cider Andy]

Chelsea boy said:

Yes the headlamps do dim when I turn the key

Is there any accompanying loud 'click' when you turn the key to the crank position? Are the headlamps bright?

[Chelsea boy]

No noise at all, headlamps are bright
Thanks

[Chelsea boy]

If I jump start the car successfully, does that mean the battery is at fault?

[Paul (93 Chim)]

Not really, it sounds like your starter motor solenoid is not working or not fully engaging, this will not allow the starter motor to turn, it could just have seized up.

Paul.

[bsdnazz]

It's worth taking off the battery leads and giving the clams and battery terminals a good clean. Even a little bit of dirt in the connection can cause enough resistance to stop the starter moter from turning over.

[Chelsea boy]

Thanks to you all.
If it is any help, when I turn the ignition off, there is a small whiring sound (thats the best I can describe) lasts about a second or two, comes from cetral of the engine.

[TVR Thomo]

Chelsea boy said:

Thanks to you all.
If it is any help, when I turn the ignition off, there is a small whiring sound (thats the best I can describe) lasts about a second or two, comes from cetral of the engine.

I think they all do that, mine does anyway!

Have you tried tapping the starter at all? It may sound strange but it can help if the starter and or solinoid is sticking! Nothing to loose and it may prove a point ...

[chim666]

Chelsea boy said:

If I jump start the car successfully, does that mean the battery is at fault?

Are you saying that you can start the car by jump-starting it with leads from another car or from an additional battery?

If so, then the starter motor's fine...sounds like a duff battery to me.

If you try jump starting it, but the starter motor still won't turn, I'm with TVRThomo here - sounds like a siezed starter motor solenoid - try the trolley jack handle tip.
I would expect that if you try turning it over with the lights on, they will dim significantly if the battery or starter motor solenoid's at fault.

If they don't dim, it could be a stuck relay.

[Chauch]

Mine was doing exactly the same. Lights fine, all looks OK but not even an attempt to turn over or even so much as a click. As soon as I connect the battery pack - starts straight away. Sounds like the battery to me. I hope the diagnosis is right as I am changing mine tomorrow.

[GreenV8S]

Sounds like a combination of a weak battery and/or a sticky starter motor solenoid.

[Chauch]

Changing the battery on mine this morning did completely cure it.

A doddle to do if you mark the battery box position.

[Chelsea boy]

managed to jump start the car very easily, took it out for a spin which wa great in the illusive sunshine listening to that fatastic roar of the V8.Parked on the drive switched off the engine, tried to start only to hear a loud clicking noise, switched off, tried to start, and guess what, nothing.
Does this mean a new battery? The battery is Halfords HCB 065, is this the correct one? Can anyone advise best to get and where from.
Finaly I would just like to say that all you blokes and of course not forgetting the girls are realy great, and thanks to you all.

[Chauch]

It certainly sounds like it.

A type 072 is usually the best bet just make sure you get one with cranking amps of about 480+.

[Chelsea boy]

Thanks Chaunch
Where is the best/ cheapest place to get one?

[spend]

IMHO Varta ref:96 reverse, 650 CCA!

Dave