Starter problems - 'click, click, click, click'

R

Rovertron

Member
I left the P6 for a couple of weeks and thought I should take it out for a quick spin.

Anyway, it simply wouldn't turn over today, worse than normal in this damp weather, ran the starter motor for a while, rest it for a few seconds, then again, rest it, I think something went 'clunk' when I let go of the key to rest it.

After that I got a sound like a rapid machine gun, 'click click click click click' for as long as I keep the key turned. It's also dimming the dashlights as it happens.

I think it's the solenoid disengaging and I've broken the starter motor. The irony is I've got a spare starter motor in the boot. I don't think it's the battery, it may have discharged a little over the fortnight but it's only a year old. I might have drained it enough by trying to start it over over 5 minutes running the starter motor.

Any thoughts? Is it simple enough to change if it's kaput?

It's wedged in the garage though, no pit and no chance of getting it on stands without new adjustable stands and a new trolley jack. It's an auto and my mechanic is only about 500 yards down the road. Could I push it there without damaging the gearbox?
 
Do you mean when you tried it first of all it wouldn't start or wouldn't turn over? You say you ran the starter I assume it was turning over but not starting. The noise you are hearing is probably the solonoid. I would charge the battery and try again. Pushing the car 500 yds to the garage will not damage the transmission. Starter motors are easy enough to change (for me anyway :D )
 
Our jag makes this clicking noise when the battery is flat.
Put a volt meter accross the terminals. Chances are its gone flat.
 
Battery could easily have discharged a lot in 2 weeks, check the voltage as JC says, and get a charger on it quick, they don't like being fully drained and I've seen a 3 month old one wrecked this way.

If it turns out to be flat battery, and you intend leaving the car for similar periods of time, I suggest you fit a battery isolator, fitted to the battery live terminal (I used a race-style cut off switch but there are cheaper screw type ones), it cuts the power to the car which prevents the battery draining.
 
Thanks for the help so far. I feel a bit of the Homer "D'oh" moment coming on.

The solenoid was definitely engaging, it does stick if left for a week or so, a sharp tap tends to release it.

I ran the starter for longer than normal, five long runs off the battery. It's a 55Ah 600+CCA so it should be up to the job. Two weeks idle in the recent cold weather would certainly affect it. My daily driver battery after two weeks in a cold airport car park had second thoughts as well.

I'll get the battery off the car ASAP, at least get the live lead off it tonight; I didn't totally drain it so there's some juice in it. Not keen on trying to carry it over the car through the garage but I'll eats me spinach, get it in the warm and give it a charge.

Will let you know how I get on. Maybe a wipe round with some WD40 in the dizzy might help.
 
If its going to sit for long periods, either d/c it as RIck suggests, or , what about a trickle charger?
 
I used a solar powered charger on mine, which did the trick, even in winter. Obviously you'll need a window in your garage to let the light in, or you'll have to invest in a waterproof solar cell.

Dave
 
Bit of an update.

Turned out to a half-flat battery. Disconnected the live last week and had a free afternoon to charge the beast.

Started fine and the starter cranked it over quickly. One good thing, at least the solenoid has seen a bit of action, probably won't stick so often!

Many thanks, feel a bit foolish really, sometimes it's the simple stuff and definitely one to rack up to experience. But it's not one thing it's something else, the brake pressure switch to activate the stop lights has gone all temperamental again :(

I need a brake fluid refresh as part of its pre-Mot in a couple of months so I'll get that changed I think. Me and brake fluid don't mix.

In the meantime, the live cable is off the battery....

Thanks for all the help and advice as always.
 
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