Starter motor just clicking and engine will not turn over.

[641OBC]

Hi All,
Getting the car ready to go back on the road after 2 years and in 11 years of ownership the car has never failed to start. Until now!!!!!
I've checked the battery voltage at 12.4V and this is after standing for several days so I'm 99% sure the issue isn't the battery. I turn the key and it just gives a constant click. As soon as I put jump leads on the car and have over 14V from the donor car it will crank and starts.
I've done no checks as yet. I have noticed though that the headlights if I flash them, appear to raise slower than usual in their operation as if the battery is low. When the car does crank it seems "lethargic" compared to normal? A quick test of voltage on the live wire near the brake resavoir and earthed to the engine shows 12.4V as it is accross the terminals of the battery.
Any suggestions where I should start?
Cheers everyone.

[dapinky]

As the car starts with a jump battery, I would suggest that the issue is with your battery (or a connection to it).

12.4V is not indicating a fully-charged battery (12.6), but should still be enough, if the battery is good.

It seems as though the battery may be discharged partially, and not holding enough 'amps' to crank the starter motor, but once started, it will keep it running as a 'buffer' to the alternator.

[641OBC]

Emmmm??? I might start with removing the battery off my daily drive Mazda6 and try starting it with that battery alone? If it starts as it always has cranking really quickly and firing almost immediately then it might be the battery as you say?
The battery has been connected to a CTEK trickle charger for nearly 2 years, I wonder if it's just had it's day?

[Denny]

Hi All,
Getting the car ready to go back on the road after 2 years and in 11 years of ownership the car has never failed to start. Until now!!!!!
I've checked the battery voltage at 12.4V and this is after standing for several days so I'm 99% sure the issue isn't the battery. I turn the key and it just gives a constant click. As soon as I put jump leads on the car and have over 14V from the donor car it will crank and starts.
I've done no checks as yet. I have noticed though that the headlights if I flash them, appear to raise slower than usual in their operation as if the battery is low. When the car does crank it seems "lethargic" compared to normal? A quick test of voltage on the live wire near the brake resavoir and earthed to the engine shows 12.4V as it is accross the terminals of the battery.
Any suggestions where I should start?
Cheers everyone.

Definitely the battery. Happened to me a few times when I've forgot to connect the trickle charger.
Has also happened with loose terminal connections so check those first as the battery could be OK.

[Tuga2112]

if it clicks. its getting power. it may be burned inside, or just not getting enough power due to battery or internal resistances in the circuit (usually poor grouding)

as Dave said. start by confirming wiht the battery. that is the most common reason.
then, you have the earthing point at the side of the engine (near the boost sensor)
and finally the starter itself (which is a PITA to remove)

[dunnlor]

If you haven't done so already, I suggest removing the cables from the battery and cleaning them and the battery posts with a wire brush and/or baking soda. Sometime a film can develop between the clamps and posts that limit current flow.

Tom

[641OBC]

Hi All,
Just an update, fitted a replacement battery off my daily vehicle and started straight away. Bought a new battery, fitted and were good. Thanks for all the advice and things to check as part of the troubleshooting.
Much appreciated.

Mark.

[braddy]

Bonjour,

Même avec 12,4 V, je suspecterais encore la batterie. Le fait que la voiture démarre avec des câbles de démarrage indique souvent un manque de puissance au lancement.

Je vérifierais en priorité :

* L'état de la batterie (test de charge).
* Les cosses et les masses.
* Les connexions du démarreur.

Les phares qui montent lentement renforcent aussi l'hypothèse d'un problème d'alimentation électrique.