13 replies to this topic

[callumwebber]

my car has been running fine then tried to start it Christmas morning and nothing. There was a clicking noise coming from the starter relay so i replaced it today but still nothing and still hear the click however this time the rev counter was going up and down the lights still turn on as well as the other auxiliaries. Tomorrow i'm going to get a volt meter and check the battery and wires going to the starter motor does anyone have any idea what it could be? 

[minimuk]

have you checked yr earth strap on engine, and in yr boot?

Car spec needed....

[dklawson]

Turn on the headlights and have a friend watch them as you try to start the engine.  If the lights dim or go out, look at the cable connections and make sure they are clean and making good contact.  If cleaning the contact points does not correct the problem, have a friend with jumper cables hook up to your car and try starting again.  If it starts now, charge and/or replace the battery.

[Stiggytoo]

Rock the car in gear, then try to start it. It's a long shot but you never know.

[callumwebber]

Its a mini city with a 1275 engine fitted. i had look this morning and there's power going to the solenoid and the fuses all look good the battery had charge and so did all the earths however the lights, hazards, horn etc aren't working. Tried to jump start it off my grandads car and nothing, so we're going to put the battery on charge over night and try in the morning and see if there is any change. I do have an immobilizer fitted but I've never had any trouble with it the button is a bit worn now b ut would that make any difference? 

Edited by callumwebber, 28 December 2013 - 01:18 PM.

[minimuk]

Its a mini city with a 1275 engine fitted. i had look this morning and there's power going to the solenoid and the fuses all look good the battery had charge and so did all the earths however the lights, hazards, horn etc aren't working. Tried to jump start it off my grandads car and nothing, so we're going to put the battery on charge over night and try in the morning and see if there is any change. I do have an immobilizer fitted but I've never had any trouble with it the button is a bit worn now b ut would that make any difference? 

have you got an earth strap from the front lower engine mount to the inner wing?better to have one there to, what is your battery CCA?

[callumwebber]

i dont know if there is one would it be factory fitted? the battery is just a halfords one 

[minimuk]

for better earth put one there 2,.....was the city equipped with a 998cc b4?

[callumwebber]

yeah it was but not sure what the 1275 in it is from but its carb not spi

[minimuk]

I had the same with my 998, the extra earth cable helped, you tested your starter motor

[callumwebber]

Tested the solenoid and there was power there the strange thing is the lights aren't working now or the hazards so we put the battery on charge over night hopefully that is all it was will find out shortly

[minimuk]

Tested the solenoid and there was power there the strange thing is the lights aren't working now or the hazards so we put the battery on charge over night hopefully that is all it was will find out shortly

 is the solenoid tight on the inner wing,IE conducting earth,  further is power going to the starter motor cable.... when you got power to the solenoid, hold multimeter + on the starter cable side of the solinoid and  - on the earth cable, turn the key to ignition and read what the meter says....

 

as for lights and hazard lights, is the fuse box the original on or a new one

Edited by minimuk, 29 December 2013 - 11:56 AM.

[callumwebber]

All sorted now cleaned the earth connection up from off the battery and put some Vaseline on it to stop it corroding and put the battery back in and started first time. I think it doesn't help I drive just over a mile to and from work with my lights on and the battery doesn't get a chance to charge up but thanks your help much appreciated

[minimuk]

All sorted now cleaned the earth connection up from off the battery and put some Vaseline on it to stop it corroding and put the battery back in and started first time. I think it doesn't help I drive just over a mile to and from work with my lights on and the battery doesn't get a chance to charge up but thanks your help much appreciated

 

No problem,...glad you found the culprit, 99% it's the earth cable connection for al those kinda stumble blocks, by the way you might aswell walk to work if yr that close, not worth starting any car for 1 mile.......give him a good run for 10ish miles or so.......