CLICK CLICK CLICK... won't start :(

[Chapppers]

I guys, I'm currently sitting in a nice pub in Wellesbourne after a bit of a Cotswold blast. I'm now waiting for the RAC to turn up because when I tried to start the car all I got was a nasty clicking sound.

I popped into a local garage and hey suggested it has no power but it seems like there's plenty for everything else...

On the drive I noticed it was hesitating in 2nd, kind of lumpy in the higher revs if really accelerating. I've had this before if I've left the car for a few days. I'd not driven it for about a week because of the the rain.

RAC said they would be a while, does anyone have any ideas before he gets here?

thanks.

[Mike Tuckwood]

A nice pint of Spitfire and lunch?


Mike.

[slipstream 1985]

battery. can you hear tyhe pumps whining? turn key and very fast machine gun type clicks?

[Chapppers]

Yeah machine gun clicks. Apparently alternator isn't charging... RAC is here now.

[Chapppers]

Fuse 9 is blown and keeps blowing instantly

[les5709]

hey, This is exactly what has been happening mine! I got the alternator repaired, and it stopped blowing fuse 9. I am still having problems though... hopefully an alternator repair should sort you out.... look at my previous threads.....

First problem...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Noble Niggles... Help please?

And now this issue...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... am out of Ideas, help required please

[Chapppers]

Just a standard cougar / mondeo alternator? Do you have a part number?

[snuffy]

Chapppers said:

...all I got was a nasty clicking sound.
thanks.

That's the solenoid engaging and dis-engaging. It means your battery is flat, but there is some power left in it.

Chapppers said:

but it seems like there's plenty for everything else...

To turn your lights/stereo etc on you don't need much power, but you need a shed load to turn the engine ( see above ).


So, your problem, in order of likelihood:

a) Your battery is flat

b) You have a bad connection at the battery terminals. The terminals could well be corroded.

c) You could have a bad earth. To test it, get a jump lead and connect it from the block to the chassis.

[les5709]

Chapppers said:

Just a standard cougar / mondeo alternator? Do you have a part number?

I actually got mine repaired, didnt get a new one, i think guys can repair/recondition them some how. Cost me £120 for repair rather than around £250 for a new one

[Jim O.]

Chapppers said:

Fuse 9 is blown and keeps blowing instantly

Disconnect the three-wire connector to the alternator, and see if fuse 9 still blows. If it doesn't blow, your alternator has an internal short. If it still blows, you have a short in the wiring someplace.

[Chapppers]

Alternator replaced. Everything works again. Considerable amount of money spent.

Next... The fusebox!

[slipstream 1985]

Chapppers said:

Considerable amount of money spent.

Next... The fusebox!

get used to it

[les5709]

Chapppers said:

Alternator replaced. Everything works again. Considerable amount of money spent.

Next... The fusebox!

Lucky u, while mine lies up outside my house trying to find someone in northern ireland that doesn't think they are working on a nova...but rather a noble!

[Chapppers]

slipstream 1985 said:

Chapppers said:

Considerable amount of money spent.

Next... The fusebox!

get used to it

Every drive is a mini fixing adventure. Thanks for the help guys.