Toyota stuttering when trying to start?

RedXIV · 26-01-2026 11:39AM #1

Hey guys,

Hoping someone can recognise this enough to help me diagnose this, even partially.
Bit of history, 142 toyota verso, car had a full service in December, Went back in again in a few weeks ago when I could hear something funny and had the water pump and fan belt replaced.
I did a drive this morning, leaving about 8.20 to bring kids to school, got back to the house around 8.45 to pick up the youngest kid and bring her, went back out to the car around 8.47 and car just wouldn't start. Lights are flashing like mad and there is stuttery/clicky noise coming from it.

Added a video link here:

https://jumpshare.com/s/FQcHk96CONhwOSKSsyjO

Anyone give me any pointers on what they think may be causing it? Obviously can't bring it to the garage now as it won't start, otherwise I'd do that.
Red

Miscreant · 26-01-2026 03:53PM

Sounds like the starter motor is just rapidly clicking to me. Might be worth checking what voltage is in the battery as there may not be enough juice to turn the engine over. You'll need a multi-meter to check the voltage and it should be over 12v, preferable near 13v. This may also be the reason why every warning light on the dash is going crazy.

Saving that, I will defer to the more knowledgeable on Boards who I am sure will be along shortly to give some advice.

Chippy01 · 26-01-2026 07:17PM

12 volt battery testing would be my first port of call…

User1998 · 26-01-2026 07:29PM

Video won't load for me but you probably just need a jumpstart

zg3409 · 26-01-2026 08:39PM

Looks like a flat 12 volt battery. Borrow a set of jump leads and jump start with another car. Then drive straight to a motor factors and buy a new 12 volt battery and fit it yourself or ask the motor factors to fit it for you for an extra fee.

blackbox · 26-01-2026 08:49PM

When I try to see the video a Google safe browsing page comes up and I am not able to see the video.

I would also suspect the battery.

RedXIV · 26-01-2026 10:39PM

Thanks guys! Once battery suggestions came in, I tried measuring the voltage of the battery, which came up at 12V. However, one of the neighbours suggested measuring when it's starting and it dropped to 5V as soon as I started turning the key. Assumed there was something funny going on there so replaced the battery and all good now! Thanks for the lead guys! I was gonna get a mechanic to come up to me before this! probably saved me 100 quid!

Toyota stuttering when trying to start?

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