Car won't start,loud clicking noise...

falan

Hi everyone, I went to start my old 96 fiesta on Saturday and it wouldn't start. Turned the key and it attempted to start but then started to make some loud horrible clicking sound.

It shouldn't be the battery because there was a new one put in beginning of January.

Last week i put oil in but i spilled some. Would the oil have got into a connection somewhere? Spark plugs maybe.

Thanks in advance for any advice...

punto gt turbo3

if it tried to start then it is more than likely your battery not charged.

yes it might be new but if the alternator does not charge it correctly then it will fail to start.

bring it to a garage and they will test both alternator and battery.

kona

It is the battery, that clicking noise is the solenoid moving but the starter not engaging.
If its a new battery its either a dud or you have a short or bad earth somewhere.

ART6

Three other possibilities: Starter motor seized (they do sometimes), starter Bendix jammed in, or Bendix stuck on the motor shaft. If the first the motor needs to come off and be serviced or replaced (with a service exchange unit from a specialist). If the second, with the car in gear and the hand brake off, try rocking it back and forward. If the third, again the starter motor need to come off and the Bendix freed (but no oiling the shaft).

andre2010

Hey dude,

This looks like it really is a battery issue. ( not the batterys fault, more the alternator)

I had this problem before. Just a clicking noise, not a really loud one, but the car wouldnt start. The radio would work etc. It turned out that the starter motor and battery were screwed in my car but in most instances the alternator isnt charging the battery and may need replacing.

So if you got a new battery in Jan and this is happening, id say its the alternator. But its not a massive cost to get it fixed dude, more of a pain in the arse!

O.A.P

It could be any of the above or it just might be something as simple as the battery leads or lead have become loose on the battery.

falan

Thanks for the replies:). I'm gonna check the leads and stuff today and will try the rocking back and forth. If that doesn't work i'll get the mechanic to look at it. As i said the battery is brand new. Only driving that car for a few months and things are always going wrong with it. Oh well what can i expect on a 14yo car:D

Thanks again for the advice...

Anan1

falan wrote: »

As i said the battery is brand new.

Think of the battery as an electrical fuel tank - it can be new, and yet still be empty.