help needed.......

[senor jones]

....out in a 1.4 focus on a 51 plate and the car suddenly decided not to start. Car started fine around half 10 then parked up with engine off but with electrics on (radio, heating etc.) for around 15 mins. Come to start the car and wouldn't. there was this strange clicking noise and the dials went a bit wierd when turning the ignition. Can anyone help whether this is the starter motor or do i need a new battery.

Thanks

[C2james]

Jump start it, drive it about for a bit and see if that helps, I nearly ran down the battery in my mums X5 when I was listening to the radio with the engine off.

[Jesus TF Christ]

Flat battery.
Clicking is solenoid failing to engage with starter motor.

[senor jones]

so take it even though the lights etc are working there isnt enough power to start it up? Flat battery does make sense with the cold weather an 2 mile trips each way every day

[WhoseGeneration]

senor jones said:

so take it even though the lights etc are working there isnt enough power to start it up? Flat battery does make sense with the cold weather an 2 mile trips each way every day

Could do, depending upon the age and condition of the battery.
As always though, have the battery and alternator checked out.

[senor jones]

so when the ignition is being turned over and i hear the clicking noise does that mean the starter motor's ok?

Edited by senor jones on Friday 10th December 01:18

[Jesus TF Christ]

Can't be 100% certain but in all likelihood the battery does not have enough juice to turn the starter. Turn all unnecessary electrics off, bump/jump start it and give it a good run.