Hi, my car didn't start at all this morning for the first time since I've owned it (8 months or so).

I blipped the car which worked fine, got in the car turned the ignition and the usual stuff lit up e.g. dash boardlights, Apexi commander, electronic boost controller, and my screen demister. Therefore I thought everything was fine, until I went to turn the key...

All that happed when I turned the key was a faint whirring sound coming from the starter motor I think, no other sound.

According to the Commander, the battery seems to be 12.0V and having checked it, all the battery fluid levels are fine.

I imagine the problem lies either with the battery or starter motor as everything looks ok under the bonnet.

If it does need a new battery does anyone know where to get one from for a good price (not Halfrauds)


Thanks

 

I would personally start with the starter motor, as from those readings batterys fine.

Probably a frozen starter motor i would say....when you say whirring i'm assuming the starter motor didn't turn??? if not could you hear a clicking noise? the clicking noise should be made as this is the kiddy (starter solenoid) which tells the starter motor to turn....so basically no click means no signal to starter telling it to turn.

 

Hi, thanks for your help. I was thinking it sounds like a starter motor problem too. There is no clicking sound at all, just a faint whirring sound when I turn the key and the motor didnt turn

 

If its just spinning freely ie 'whirring' then it is not engaging, the old fashion way would be to give the starter a sharp tap with a hammer/bar to see if its just stuck

 

thanks, will give it a go!

 

To me though, the symptoms sound like a lazy starter which is being compounded in this cold weather. Difficult to tell by description. Is the whirring sound the normal starter whirring sound but more faint? If so, then it sounds like the solenoid is being energised and trying to cause the pinion to fly out, but the cold weather is preventing it?

As mentioned try sharply whacking the starter casing with a blunt instrument, or if hard to get to to do that, then with engine off, try sticking it in 2nd gear, take handbrake off, then grab A- and B-pillar with both hands, and rock car back and forth 4 or 5 times. Do this so that the wheels rotate forward a bit, then back a bit... etc. This can help free the starter pinion (if it happens to be jammed between flywheel's ring gear teeth).

 

starter motor

 

try putting it in gear and rocking the car back and forth.then take out of gear and try starting again.

 

Try reading the battery voltage while your trying to crank it. Just because it has 12volts static does not mean the battery is any good. If it drops below 9volts when cranking the batteries had it.. What do the ignition lights do when trying to crank? If they go dull then battery if they stay bright then starter

 

Had the same thing, the cold zapped the batery in my classic.
Had a search and got one of these, good value and very quick delivery, ebay number 140291758097

 

jump lead it from antoher car.. if it starts then you know it is battery but as said check the voltage whilst cranking.. also double check the battery terminals are on and tight.. seen before them left loose causing the same problem.

Simon

 

Thanks everyone for your help, I tried the above but to no avail so called out RAC.

I expected the problem to be a usual "cold weather" thing such as frozen starter motor or dead battery but embarrassingly it turned out to be the connector had come dislodged from the starter motor. As soon as it was connected again the car started straight away! I'm pleased it was something so simple.

cheers