3 replies to this topic

[mahican]

A couple of weeks ago, my battery died for some reason. There didn't seem to be any drain on it so I charged it up and everything was fine.

This morning, I tried to start the car up, but all I got was a really loud clicking noise (solenoid?). The lights and radio etc work so I don't think it's a battery fault.

That being said, I managed to get it started by just disconnecting and reconnecting the battery but that when I tried to start it again at the shops, the same thing happened.

Any ideas on how to fix this properly? It's an '86 Austin Mini, 998c

Thanks!

[LukeMoss]

Are you getting the correct voltage from the alternator?

Another thing to check is that the connections to the battery are tight and clean, adding a bit of Vaseline helps as well :) they may seem tight bu that's not always the way

Edited by LukeMoss, 07 May 2012 - 11:14 AM.

[tiger99]

I suspect this is yet another case of faulty pot type battery terminals. Change them for the clamp type (you will need to anyway, sooner rather than later, even if they are not the immediate cause of the problem), and check both battery and engine earths.

[dklawson]

As above, check the earth connections both in the boot and in the engine compartment. Also check the battery cable connections on the starter motor. All the cable connection points need to be clean (free from rust/corrosion).

Is your ignition warning lamp working properly? Specifically, does it light up when you turn the key to the run position and go off again once the engine has started?