Car won't turn over - Edit: Need help fitting starter!

T

thecremeegg

Active member
North Hampshire
So try and start the car this morning and it won't start.
I get a click and that's it, no attempt to turn over.
All electronics work and I've tried both keys but the same problem.

Any ideas? Maybe battery?

Edit: So it's the starter motor. Have taken old one off but can't get the new one on - the locator lug thing won't fit in the hole properly. I'm worried that tightening the bolts to pull it together might break it?
 
Sounds like it could be the battery, how old is the car & is the battery the original one? Also how long has it been since you last drove it? A voltage test on the battery could shed some light on the problem :thumbsup:
Rob
 
Could throw a list of possible causes but you need to eliminate the basics first, engine off a good battery should be showing at least 12.4v measured over the + - terminals with a voltmeter.
 
Last driven yesterday, was absolutely fine! Googling suggests possibly the starter?
No idea on battery age!
 
thecremeegg said:
Battery is showing 12.12 across the terminals so sounds like it could be the culprit?
Click to expand...

Well it's not optimal, I would of thought that you should get some starter action at that level but these cars are very voltage sensitive. Try a charge overnight and see if that helps, if not it's time to check voltages at the starter on using the ignition, back through to the switch, which as has been suggested is a good possibility.
 
12.12 Is basically dead for a Lead Acid car battery. Even the best car batteries last 10 years maximum.

Edit: Its allegedly 40%. I'd still change it provided its old :)
 
thecremeegg said:
I'll change it tomorrow and see what happens!
Click to expand...

Have you tried jumping it with another car?
That will at least confirm dead battery.

I've had this recently when not driven the car for 4wks (I know don't know how that happened), it goes into some protection mode when I guess there isn't enough voltage.
The dash and lights are bright but just doesn't turn over, also you may notice than when you open/close the door, the Windows don't drop/raise.
If you hook up the other jumper (engine running) car and keep it idling for 10mins, before you try the zed, that should give your battery a bit of a top up charge too.
 
I haven't, however if it's only at 40% or under health its going to need a new battery anyway so may as well sort it.
 
Surprised you've not had any other symptoms, below about 50-60% charge the gremlins come out to play!

Well worth a new battery (have a look online, good quality available for around £60, better than original) but if that still doesn't fix it try the ignition switch :)
 
Ordered a Bosch one today from ECP - 25% off on everything today so was only £69.
Fingers crossed it solves the problem! I'll update later!
 
EdButler said:
12.12 Is basically dead for a Lead Acid car battery. Even the best car batteries last 10 years maximum.

Edit: Its allegedly 40%. I'd still change it provided its old :)
Click to expand...


I'd have agreed with the 10 year limit until owning my Zed, it's on the original 2003 date stamped battery and is still good!Although it's on a ctek conditioner and sorn'ed over the winter which probably helps

....... I know I've just temped fete it HAS to die soon :D

Hopefully a new battery will sort yours :thumbsup:
 
So it's the starter motor!
New battery in and if I hit the motor it makes noises like it's trying but failing.
Going to try and fit a new one tomorrow!
 
ECP may have a sale on, got a BOSCH starter for mine a while back for reasonable price. I did have the intake off at the time though so thought it worth doing - it's possible without it off but looks fiddly.
 
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