My 'Ro Didn't Start This Morning :(

[Glyn84]

I defrosted the 'Ro this morning, turned the key and just heard a clicking sound. The ignition seems to be fully working, although it does flash ABS fault which is new, but when I turn the key instead of the starter motor turning over I hear a clicking sound which repeats as long as you keep the key turned. I've checked all the electrical stuff is in place, disconnected the battery etc and made sure that's OK and it seems to be. Does this sound like a starter motor issue, relay problem or the car refusing to start because of the ABS fault? I'm not at home at the moment so can't give any fault codes, but if anyone has any words of wisdom from the scary amount of knowledge we have here I'd be really grateful!

Cheers,

Neil

[Harryoz]

low charged battery? did she jumpstart?

[petrolzed]

I think its the battery, mine went on my old ro, it slowly gave up over a few weeks, struggled more and more to turn the engine over. Re charged it a number of times but it not hold the charge and eventually died.
The battery was replaced under warranty, 3 years on battery.

[leaf blower]

Definitly the battery, these days auto batteries just get to a certain point in their life and just give up, and its normally on the first frosty night of the year.

Buy a decent one, the last one I bought was for my Toyota Landcruiser, I shopped around all the shops inc Halfrauds, I decided to call the local Toyota dealer just to see how much more expensive they would be and was amazed that they were far cheaper than any of the other quotes I had had, the original Toyota battery had been on the car 8 years!!!

May be worth calling Vauxhall see what price they are, but when I change mine on the Ro I will def be calling Toyota as my LC battery looks like it will fit the Ro and is a more powerfull battery too! which is a good thing.

[Glyn84]

leaf blower said:

Definitly the battery, these days auto batteries just get to a certain point in their life and just give up, and its normally on the first frosty night of the year.

Hmm, it is the first frosty night of the year. About -2 last night at home. If the battery was dead, but the ignition and headlights worked, would it be then the battery doesn't have enough power to turn the motor?

[leaf blower]

There may be enough power to do the lights but not enough to throw the soleniod in to then make the starter motor to turn.

Best to check battery connections first, loosen off just a bit and revolve the clamps on the battery terminals (dont fully take them off) then retighten, then with the lights on full have someone look at the lights while trying to crank the engine, if the lights go very dim as you turn the starter, you are pretty sure it will be battery.

[NickbV8]

Mine did exactly the same yesterday morning,but then it hasn't been used for nearly 5 weeks and it was -5 outside.
Had to open doors manually,turned the key and just heard a load repeating clicking.Dash lit up with all sorts of warnings.
Had the same thing last year,but that was down to a dead battery.Hope this time it's due to not being used as the battery is only a year old.
Started first time with the jump leads,kept it ticking for 15 minutes but not long enough for a semi charge,and failed to start again.
Need to go for a good run to fully charge it up.

[ARAF]

We leave an optimate connected to our car, as it doesn't get used often.

[S800VXR]

Sounds like a typical battery issue. I found my local friendly (but bloody useless) VX dealer could supply me a Heavy duty one for far less than anyone else.... did take a bit of effort from them though as they dont do Monaro's. Was below £60 and came with a 3 year warrentee! Dont for god sake go to Halfrauds as they have no idea and charge the earth. I got a can I help you and would you like us to fit it... not bloody likely sunshine!

[Glyn84]

Thanks so much for the quick and detailed replies guys... it was indeed the battery. Stuck some jump leads on, got her going and drove it to the local garage who fitted a new battery, so I'm back on the road

Many thanks to the friendly forum once again

[after_shock]

Glad it was just the battery, same thing happened on mine!

Vaux dealer was best price I managed to find for a battery think it was £38 or something from memory.